Dunsborough’s Anna Norden may only be 15, but she is already working hard to ensure the voice of WA youth is heard by the government.
Miss Norden recently attended parliament as part of the YMCA’s 2017 youth parliament program.
“I applied for youth parliament because I wanted a chance to have my voice heard and discuss problems facing young people in Western Australia,” Miss Norden said.
The program took place at Point Walter Recreation Centre and Parliament House, where young people had a parliamentary experience while developing leadership skills, making new friends and growing a network of like minded people who care about the issues young people are facing.
Miss Norden believes the biggest challenge for young people in Western Australia is education and job security.
“Many students who go to university are finding it hard to find jobs in the workforce that are relevant to their degree. It’s becoming increasingly harder to find secure jobs, especially in WA which currently holds the highest jobless rate in the country.”
YMCA WA CEO Ross Kyrwood believes this year’s participants gained a lot from the experience.
“Youth parliament embodies our belief in the power of inspired young people,” he said.
With the program generously made possible by Department of Local Government and Community Services, the young people relished in the chance to present in front of parliament in early July.