Mackay students debate the future at youth parliament

Students from across Mackay gathered for a day of debate and speechmaking and concern for the environment stood out as a key theme. Here’s what they had to say.

Victoria Park State School captain Logan Beale reckons Queensland’s Sunshine State moniker could change to ‘wastelander state’ if the government does not take better care of the environment.

“The environment right now, we have got the name the Sunshine State, because everything here is quote unquote, ‘clean’,” he said.

“If we do not keep up our reputation as the Sunshine State, that name could be out the window and we could be called the ‘wasterlander state’, and I do not think that is a pretty good name for a state.”

Speaking at the Mackay youth parliament, Logan said he wanted to see more solar farms, less pollution in the air and water, better protections for the Great Barrier Reef and a mass production facility for electric vehicles.

Logan Beale youth Premier from Victoria Park State School, Xavier Veiver Sergeant at Arms from St Brendan's Catholic Primary School, Curtis Pitt Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland Member for Mulgrave and Kamaya Budby from Sarina State School Opposition Premier at the 2022 Mackay Youth parliament. Picture: Michaela Harlow

The Year 6 captain was selected to lead the mock parliament, which involved kids from across the region gathering for debates and speechmaking, all designed to help them learn more about Australia’s democratic traditions.

Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said the educational day would help maintain democracy.

Kylah Sampson, Madi Williamson from St Brendan's Catholic Primary School and Katina Webb at the 2022 Mackay Youth parliament. Picture: Michaela Harlow

“It is really important that our children understand our parliamentary process,” she said.

“We do have a long history here of having a democracy in Australia.

“If we are going to maintain having a democratic parliamentary system, children need to know what it is about.”

Ryley Plate and Zac Ferris from St Joseph's Catholic Primary School at the 2022 Mackay Youth parliament. Picture: Michaela Harlow

The Year 5 and Year 6 children imitated the roles of parliamentarians, debating motions and legislation, in the same horseshoe design of the chamber in Brisbane.

Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt said the day gave children a chance to learn the art of debate and speaking in public.

Lily Mifsud YMCA Youth member for Burdekin and Bella Mifsud from Kilcummin State School at the 2022 Mackay Youth parliament. Picture: Michaela Harlow

“At this age, I think it is really good because there is a greater level of interest in the idea of parliament and democracy,” he said.

“It is a chance for people to just speak their mind.”

Kamaya Budby, a Year 6 student from Sarina State Primary, took on the role of leader of the opposition and like Logan, said she was passionate about the environment.

“I just love looking at flowers, love watching them, it makes me feel happy when I am stressed.”