Teen Parliament students have voiced their vision for the future with the state’s politicians in attendance

The voices of tomorrow have shared their vision for the future with the state’s politicians in attendance including the premier.

South Australian politicians took a back seat and watched as teens took control of Parliament House with their ideas to improve the future of the state.

Politicians including Premier Peter Malinauskas, Education Minister Blair Boyer and Attorney-General Kyam Maher listened to the students at Teen Parliament 2024 make their speeches and engage in spirited debate.

The Advertiser Editor Gemma Jones said hearing from the students was “very special for everyone”.

Teen Parliament - Scott Graham Picture: Keryn Stevens

The session was led by speaker Dan Cregan.

Tjindu Foundation Students Jordan Harvey, 16 and Scott Graham, 17, opened the event with the Welcome to Country.

After losing friend Khai Cowley, 15, to a shark attack late last year, Scott, a Year 12 with the Tjindu Foundation, proposed tagging sharks so that their location can be tracked live using a smart watch app.

His idea was backed by fellow Teen Parliamentarian Maeve Nicholas who said it was an “excellent step forward” which complimented her own pitch to use aerial patrol data to inform beachgoers of threats like rip currents.

One of the popular topics of discussion on the day was young drivers in the wake of a record road toll in 2023.

St Ignatius Year 12 student Max Mander, 16, highlighted a need for more strenuous testing before young people can attain their driver’s licence.

“I feel the state does not provide me with the skills and knowledge to navigate high risk situations,” Max said.

Teen Parliament - Picture: Keryn Stevens

A world class theme park would not only make SA a “destination like no other” but also boost tourism in the state, said Sacred Heart College student Alex Johnson, 16.

“With our state’s great weather year round, a theme park promises to attract crowds, offering families and friends a diverse range of themed events and attractions to enjoy,” the year 11 student said.

“I truly believe a theme park could serve as a major draw card in enticing interstate and international travellers to extend their stay and explore all that our state has to offer.”

Rachel Files, 17, delivered a passionate plea to increase political education in schools to encourage teens to engage with politics.

The Year 12 at Renmark High School said students needed to be inspired to take interest in politics, encouraging schools to adopt an “interactive” approach to teaching by using apps, websites and quizzes.

“Not enough is being done in South Australia to educate the future generation of voters,” she said.

Teen Parliament - Chloe Wyatt-Jasper Picture: Keryn Stevens

The idea was popular with the politically minded teens who voiced their support.

And 15-year-old Peyton Turner advocated for Aboriginal languages to be taught in schools across the state, coupled with cultural maps and art displays in classrooms.

In particular the Kaurna Plains School student believed teaching Kaurna language should be made compulsory in schools within the traditional land area.

“Hearing and seeing (Aboriginal) language makes someone like myself feel connected, feel a sense of belonging and feel culturally safe,” Peyton said.

Mr Boyer told the students that having young people passionate about making the state better “is more important now than it has ever been”.

“Nothing fills you with more hope for the future than walking into the lower house of our parliament and seeing so many young people who are passionate,” he said.

Mr Boyer said he would “happily look at” education proposals that were made by the students.

Following the event, 10 of the students will each receive a $10,000 education scholarship.