Northcliffe candidate to represent Warren-Blackwood electorate in WA’s Youth Parliament program

A Northcliffe candidate will represent the Warren-Blackwood electorate for the first time in WA’s Youth Parliament program — with the region back on the map after no applications were received last year.

Brayden Daniele is among 59 young people selected to take part in the four-month Y WA Youth Parliament program.

The 25-year-old said he applied to the program on a “whim” after seeing the opportunity in an email from his manager.

“By taking part in the Y WA Youth Parliament I hope to grow my knowledge and interest in government but more importantly listen, see and collaborate with peers interested in similar things,” he said.

“I have gaps in my knowledge everywhere but the main ones I can think of is education, youth, housing and taxation.”

The program offers insight and experience into the world of Australian politics to create change by standing up in Parliament and having their voices heard about policies that affect the young people of Western Australia.

Mr Daniele said for young people to have a voice with the “ability to speak freely” was to an “extent the most important thing” there was.

“This opportunity for individuals to get involved with Youth Parliament and by proxy understanding government to a new capacity than before, is from what I can tell an absolutely great endeavour and something well needed,” he said.

“It is a shame most youth never hear about this opportunity or know that it is something offered.”

Y WA CEO Tim McDonald said the program, now in its 30th year, aims to empower and give young people a voice to represent the views and concerns of the State’s next generation of community leaders.

The young leaders have met to discuss the training they will receive, which will include three full-day training workshops as well as online meetings as they draft, debate, and advocate for mock youth-focused legislation.

The program will culminate in members attending Parliament House on July 7, 8 and 10 with a live debate in the chamber.

Upon completion of the program, all bills are presented to the Government and Opposition, WA Governor, Lord Mayor of Perth, and the WA Department for Communities for review and consideration.