Youth Parliament

During the first week of the recent mid-semester holidays our Castlemaine Youth Parliament team including Ella Hayes, Isabel Lynzaat, Gabby Byrne, Abigail Meadows, Bodie Maffescioni and I (Shanti Steventon-Lorenzen) set off for a week of debating at Melbourne Parliament house, instigating positive social change and connecting with young people ages 16-25 all throughout Victoria. The Victorian Youth Parliament is a program that provides an opportunity for 120 young Victorians to participate in a seven-day residential program including three days of debate in the Parliamentary Chambers of Melbourne as well as an official reception hosted by the Youth Governor, the creation of relationships with inspired like-mind people and training in parliamentary procedure, the writing of legislation, leadership, media representation and proactive change making.

In preparation for the debate our team created a piece of legislation addressing an issue we identified as prolific within Victoria. Our Bill, titled the “Prevention and Minimisation of the Harmful Effects of Gambling and Betting” is targeted toward changing the consistent glorification and normalisation of gambling in Australia by enacting a cessation of free to air advertisements promoting the activity, a counter educational campaign as well as direct facilitated education for those most vulnerable in Victoria (young people and those consistently exposed to gambling culture in sports clubs and the broader community).

The team was thrilled to have our Bill unanimously passed by the chamber as it has now been given the assent of the Youth Governor and handed to the minister of Youth Affairs, who will then pass it to the relevant government ministers for consideration.

We are also excited to continue discussion surrounding youth agency and harmful gambling as issues with the Mount Alexander community through the media and our Shire Council.

Speaking on a state level and initiating conversation with the governmental decision makers within our state was an incredibly empowering experience that allowed us to understand that we as young people have an important voice that deserves to be heard, listened and equally valued. All too often youths are dismissed as incapable of making change or valuable contributions to our communities. We are prepared and motivated to continue breaking down such generational barriers by demonstrating that we do care, that we are passionate and that we are equipped with all the necessary ideas, perspectives and diversity to better society.

Shanti Steventon-Lorenzen 

Media