Students discuss healthcare, electric vehicles at Regional Youth parliament event in Gladstone

Students from schools in the Gladstone and Burnett regions have taken part in heated discussions as part of the Regional Youth parliament program in Gladstone. PHOTOS

The Youth Sergeant-at-Arms, Tobyn Smith, Youth Opposition Leader Sophie Cikursch, and Youth Premier Livie Yantsch.

Students from 12 schools in the Gladstone and Burnett regions have represented their schools in a parliamentary experience.

Thursday’s proceedings were officially opened by the Acting Speaker of the Queensland parliament, MP Joseph Kelly, and were accompanied by Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett and Member for Callide Bryson Head.

“I know how important these events are for students who are unlikely to have the opportunity to visit Queensland Parliament House with their school,” Mr Kelly said.

Mr Kelly officially opened the proceedings on Thursday.

“It has been a great privilege to preside over and observe the Gladstone Youth parliament and I hope that the students participating today will be inspired to play a part in Queensland’s democratic process.”

Students in attendance represented Benaraby State School, Bororen State School, Boyne Island State School, Calliope State School, Childers State School, Discovery Christian College, Gin Gin State School, Gladstone South State School, Kin Kora State School, Monto State School, St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School and Taranganba State School.

The event was part of the Regional Youth parliament initiative, which gives students from regional schools the opportunity to understand and experience parliamentary proceedings.

The parliamentary experience was attended by students from 12 schools in the CQ region.

Some of the hottest discussion topics included debates about rural and remote healthcare and education services, social media, artificial intelligence, air pollution, self-driving cars, mental health, pest problems, youth crime and housing affordability.

Year three student from Bororen State School, Tobyn Smith, was the youngest student to have performed the role of Youth Sergeant-at-Arms.

Aside from a few nerves before the event, Tobyn introduced the Speaker confidently to the Youth Members before leading him into the Chamber.

“I enjoyed everything about the day, except the waiting. I liked learning about the real Parliamentary mace, which is made of sterling silver with gold plating,” said Tobyn.

Tobyn also mentioned that he was glad the replica didn’t weigh almost nine kilograms like the real one.

Youth Premier Livie Yantsch spoke about her goal for improved essential health services for Queensland.

Youth Premier Livie Yantsch, a year six student at Discovery Christian College, delivered a speech about her goal for Queensland to improve healthcare.

“I liked participating in the Youth parliament to experience democracy in action. I also liked listening to the speeches of other students to learn more about the topics that matter to them,” Livie said.

Youth Opposition Leader Sophie Cikursch spoke about the dangers of social media.

Year six student from Childers State School, Sophie Cikursch said she took away a lot from the experience.

“When I’m older, I think it would be great to be a member of parliament,” Sophie said.