Teen Parliament 2023: Calling on students eager to make a difference

We need new ideas and fresh thinking, but time is running out to get into Teen Parliament 2023. Here’s how to enter – submit your bright idea here.

Teen Parliament applicant Madison Mitchell-Smith, 15, with her brother, Harry Mitchell-Smith, 8, at home in Parkside. Picture: Matt Loxton

Thursday is the last day for students to submit their bright ideas for the future of South Australia to be in the running for a place at Teen Parliament 2023.

■ Head here to watch The Advertiser Teen Parliament from 9.30am-12.30pm on Thursday, February 16

Teen Parliament hopeful, politically-minded Unley High School student Jordan Papageorgiou, 16, is concerned about the future of energy in the state.

The bright student, from Malvern, hopes South Australia will move towards introducing nuclear power to solve the state’s energy issues.

“It will help prevent statewide blackouts,” Jordan said.

He cited the 2016 statewide blackout, in which South Australia was plunged into darkness and key infrastructure was damaged.

“I don’t want to see this state become a backwater when it comes to energy and I don’t want another statewide blackout,” he said.

“Prices are going up so we need a more stable, affordable way of powering South Australia.

“This will also be a major boost to the state’s target of hitting net zero emissions by 2050.”

And he welcomes scrutiny of his plan to institute the divisive energy source.

“To be honest I would assume there would be people who aren’t necessarily for it, however, there needs to be some discussion around it.”

Students are encouraged to enter to become one of 25 teens selected for the February 16 event at Parliament House in which they will rub shoulders with the state’s decision-makers.

Five participants will be selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship to put towards their future studies based on their address to Teen Parliament.

The sitting, guided by Speaker Dan Cregan, will see young people stand up to speak about issues such as affordable tertiary education, encouraging girls in sport and connecting students with their heritage.

Jordan hopes to rub shoulders with some of the state’s leaders at Teen Parliament, which is a possible career path for the student after university.

“I want to make a change, I want to make a difference in this state and in this country,” he said.

He looks up to a state leaders from both sides of politics such as Premier Peter Malinauskas, Deputy Premier Susan Close, Opposition Leader David Speirs and Deputy Opposition Leader John Gardner.

It would fulfil a dream of Jordan’s to stand up in parliament like his political idols.

“It would put me in their shoes and it would be a really good experience,” he said.

Students interested in Teen Parliament from years 10 to 12 should submit a 250-word summary of their ideas for a brighter future of the state before applications close at noon on Thursday.

Sponsors of this year’s scholarships, presented in partnership with the Advertiser Foundation, are Elders, UniSA, Walker Corp and the Adelaide Economic Development Agency.

The 2023 Teen Parliament session can be viewed via livestream at advertiser.com.au.

Enter now: Become a young trailblazer at Teen Parliament

Students are sending in their best ideas for a brighter future of South Australia as Teen Parliament 2023 nears.

Among the student applicants is Glenunga International High School student Madison Mitchell-Smith, 15, from Parkside, who advocates for more support for people with special needs.

The issue hits close to home for Madison, who supports her younger brother, Harrison, 8, who has autism and intellectual disability.

Her idea is to create more schools which specialise in catering for people who need extra support like Harrison.

“My brother has special needs and he goes to one (special school) but it’s hard to get them since there are very limited places.”

Supporting people like her brother Harrison is going to be a lifetime pursuit for Madison Mitchell-Smith. Picture: Matt Loxton

The idea came to Madison after she saw the positive impact of support from East Torrens Primary on Harrison’s life.

“His special unit has definitely helped him a lot, we’ve seen a lot more progress and he’s beginning to read and write a little bit,” she said.

Supporting people like Harrison is going to be a lifetime pursuit for Madison.

“Since year 5 I wanted to be an occupational therapist because I wanted to help children like my brother.”

Students are encouraged to enter, to become one of 25 teens selected for the February 16 event at Parliament House in which they will meet some of the state’s top decision-makers.

Five participants will be selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship to put towards their future studies and address to Teen Parliament.

The sitting, guided by Speaker Dan Cregan, will see young people stand up to speak about issues such as the launch of an indigenous cultural festival, investment in world class education and introducing mental health education and practice into school curriculum.

“It would be cool to hear other ideas and what areas other people want to make a change in the world,” Madison said.

She said the prospect of speaking in front of her peers at Parliament House is daunting but necessary to raise awareness.

“I want to make a change for Teen Parliament even if it’s scary.”

Students interested in Teen Parliament from years 10 to 12 should submit a 250-word summary of their ideas for a brighter future of the state before applications close on February 9.

Sponsors of this year’s scholarships, presented in partnership with the Advertiser Foundation, are Elders, UniSA, Walker Corp and the Adelaide Economic Development Agency.

The 2023 Teen Parliament session can be viewed via livestream at advertiser.com.au.