Reception in support of the 29th YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament

YMCA Queensland CEO, Mr Damian Foley; Youth Governor of Queensland, Mr Jordan Engel; YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament Members and supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here this evening.

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House for this Reception in support of the 29^th YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.

In my role as Governor of Queensland, I am fortunate to meet a wide range of people from a great diversity of backgrounds, many of whom have played a pivotal role in our state.

These people share something in common, however, and that is a desire to make a positive change, whether it be in their local communities, their professions or industries, their social groups or sporting clubs, or indeed the world at large.

No doubt many began formulating an idea of how they might contribute at a young age, perhaps while they were still at school or just stepping out into adult life.

All they needed was the opportunity, encouragement and support to turn their ideas — and their idealism — into something more tangible.

The Queensland Youth Parliament offers young people the opportunity to effect real change in our society.

Formed as a partnership between the Queensland Government and the YMCA, this initiative has amplified the voices of young people and brought them in direct contact with the decision-makers of our state.

The issues young people like you have brought to the attention of our Ministers and MPs in the Queensland Parliament are timely and relevant.

They have included a ‘Sentencing Reform Youth Act’ and a ‘Truth-Telling Cultural Appreciation in Education Youth Act’, along with Bills dealing with everything from homelessness to the environment and the preservation of rural identity.

It is largely thanks to your advocacy and informed policy-making that our elected representatives know that these issues are as important to young people as they are to adult constituents.

I look forward to your help in engaging young people with our democratic process, which is so pivotal to effecting meaningful change.

My thanks to all Youth Members representing electorates throughout Queensland for advocating on behalf of your communities.

I am confident that your commitment to your communities will last well beyond your period ‘in office’.

My hope is that you will use your experience in the Queensland Youth Parliament to continue speaking out about what matters to you, for many years to come. Thank you.