Closing Ceremony an Inspiring Finale

The closing ceremony of the 2010 Queensland Youth Parliament marked the end of a very productive year. With youth Governor, Robert Mackay signing the youth bills passed over the 4 days of parliamentary sitting, and months of preparation before hand. It was also the time to recognise those who stood out over the week.

RDIP take QYP 2010 Out With a Bang

Matter of Public Importance Enters Internet Age

This afternoons matter of public importance discuss the issue of the impending Internet filter. Some arguments were predictable such as the 'slippery splope' of becoming similar to China or the accusation that those opposed are pro pedophilia. Others how ever took a different angle, such as the Member for Clayfield Tim Herrington, who saw the possibility of  accidental insult from inappropriate sites as enough reason to trade some freedom for some security. The Member for Nudgee defended Internet rights by high lighting the social, economic and cultural loses Internet censorship could potentially bring, especial in the prelude to a national broadband Internet network.

When members voted many abstained, but those who felt strongly enough chose to support the statement that,
"This YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament opposes any steps by the government to filter or restrict in any way the freedom of speech and information on the Internet regardless of the positive aspects the proponent's of filtering may suggest."

Private Members Statements draw to a close

As the last day in parliament, members statements came to a close today. Bizarre topics were for the first time brought to the table, notably the Member for Mirani talking in regard to the crazy cows of Rockhampton and the Member for Mt. Ommaney echoing the sounds of the Wookee.

All jokes aside, Youth Members raised consistent, controversial issues close to the heart of themselves and their constituents. Notable mentions include; the Member for Stafford bringing to the attention of the parliament the increasingly and somewhat unnecessary rising price of car registration across the state. The Member for Thuringowa spoke to the issue of lack of anti ticket scalping legislation under Queensland law and the need for immediate changes. The Member for Trinity Bay provided an insight into the first Abortion trial in 50 years in her electorate; highlighting the need to consistently reform laws, so as not to end up with 110 year old policies. Toowoomba South spoke from personal experience, as a proud father of a 9 week old girl, on the need for assistance for young parents. Finally the Member for Lytton gave a stirring speech urging religious people to reconsider Gay Marriage as not an attack on their beliefs but an extension to others rights.

JAG Bill Makes Deputy Speaker Blush

The committee for Justice and Attorney General brought a bill to parliament today, which made many, including the Honorable Deputy Speaker David Gibson, member for Gympie and Father of Youth Member for Gympie, go bright red. The bill titled "Social Reform and Development Youth Bill" called for many changes to the rights of young people on some very big decisions.

The topics at hand included the age of consent for sexual inter-course,  same sex couple and single parent adoption and surrogacy laws and body image (tattoos, piercings and cosmetic surgery) regulations. The bill called for the age of consensual sex under the age of 18 to be lowered to 14 years old, as long as there is no greater difference than 2 years between the consenting youth. This controversial issue made for a intense debate filled with innuendo. A division was called to amend this clause and in fact raise the age of consent to 18, 2 years beyond the current age and a result of 32 for and 30 against saw it fall.

The bill also called for same sex and single persons to be allowed to adopt, and engage in the process of surrogacy. Debate surrounding this was for some members close to heart, as members of single parent families and/or being homosexual. The usual arguments were shared, resulting as usual in the conclusion that every case is different.

While the first two propositions of the bill widened the scope of rights for youths their final reform restricts the rights to get tattoos, piercings and cosmetic surgery. Most notably the age of a youth wanting a cultural tattoo, such as those of a Maori culture, to be raised to 18.

The bill, with the exception of the amendment was passed as is.

PINE Passes Agricultural Bill

The Primary Industries, Natural Resources and Environment committee have passed their bill to protect fertile lands from mining. The bill called for the protection of places which make for fantastic farming areas across Queensland, not the entire state but restricted ares such as that of the Opposition leaders electorate of the Lockyer Valley. The main arguments for this bill included the irreversible effects mining has on the land, meaning you can mine land that has been farmed but you may not be able to farm on land that has been mined.

One amendment was passed removing a clause that stated any mining companies currently on or planning on using land which is suitable for agriculture to leave within 6 months of notice. The division to pass the bill saw 37 for, 28 against.

Work Hard, Play Hard

The annual QYP Residential disco was a success last night, with almost all participants coming along for a boogie. The theme was'Beauty and the Geek' and while some brave boys donned a dress the overwhelming favorite was geeking it up.

IA Bill an Emotional Victory

The Indigenous Affairs committee have passed their bill to create seats for Indigenous representatives in parliament. The Bill asked for 7 seats to be created, not replacing any existing seats but adding to them instead. The process of electing these members would be discussion circles in Indigenous communities led by community elders. Whilst the Government managed to amend the bill from 7 new representatives to 4, the principle of the bill was agreed with. During debate the Opposition quashed statements this was a hand out, not a hand up by comparing this to the seats reserved for females during their first years in parliament, something which is intended to be a short term solution, a start.

The Bill was voted upon resulting in a landslide 42 - 5 win, with many members abstaining. Most of the members abstaining believed they did not have enough at stake to make a decision on such an important bill, others were perhaps trying to avoid an unpopular decision. In any case for the many indigenous participants of this years program, as well as many other young people who are passionate about this issue, the result proved to be a long sort and sweet victory.

Parliamentary Reform Bill Shredded

Youth Members this morning put forward their parliamentary reform bill, calling for change in the way Queensland parliament is created. The main issues of the bill included lowering the age of voting to 15 years, to encourage young people to become more engaged in the parliamentary process, opening up the second chamber of parliament, the senate and changing the role of the Speaker.

The Bill was voted down, by stripping it of it's main points in the amendment process, nothing was left but a title and definitions. Despite this the issue's raised and the debate shared covered many important issues and saw many new members get up to argue.

Speakers encouraged members to vote for the reform bill by stating that these changes will make Queensland a leader in parliamentary reform. By making the Speaker bipartisan the reform bill hopes to remove bias and increase accountability in the process of creating legislation.

Lowering the age of voting to 15 was the most heavily debated clause. The age drop proposed would not be compulsory for those between 15 and 18 year of age. Compelling arguments about the role a 15 year old plays in society, including the fact they often pay tax were met with division as both sides of the argument were well though out and delivered.The motion was voted down 43 against, 23 for.

A highly charged argument also followed the proposed re-opening of the Red Chamber, or Senate in Queensland. While some saw this as an extra measure of checks and balance, others saw this as yet another unnecessary step, akin to the debate over State Governments relevance. Member for Bundaberg, Jackson McGovern, argued that, "4 cooks can never bake a good cake together" a theory supported by the Member for Thuringowa, Kate Holt, who says no to "Mayors for Members". The motion was voted down 35 against, 28 for.

Members Statements Continue

Members Statements continue this morning in the third day of sitting for YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament. Youth members are continuing to identify the state of Indigenous Affairs as an important issue not being address, as well as the continued concern for QCS. Other topics of concern include the need for electric car incentives, more free youth activities in suburban communities and asylum seekers.

All topics were of high importants to youth and the wider community, however 4 topics stood out as perhaps the most unusual and yet relevant issues.

The Member for Enoggera, Samuel Wong, raised the issue of isolation for elderly members of the community, something which has seen recent light in public disscussion and yet action is yet to occur.

Ashgroves youth Member, Lydia Lynch had the difficult job of raising the issue of legalising marajuana. Her speech was well informed and dealt with the controversial matter in a logical, diplomatic manner.

Media monopolization was the issue at hand for Brisbane Central Member Shane McKenna. He reconises that Rupert Murdoch, and indeed Fairfax media occupie two thirds of papers in Australia, more than any other democracy and that this in turn affects fairness and balance in out media.


A pertinant issue was raised by the Member for Burleigh, Paige Baker who, through personal experience, sees the lunacy of young people in old age care. Her issue was that there is a lack of care facilities for young people to rehabilitate in or be cared for in, whilst injured and unwell, there highest time of need.

Controversial Fat Tax Passes, Heavily Ammended

The committee for Health, Recreation and Sport has passed their controversial fat tax, albeit heavily amended to not actually include a tax. The bill, which called for those born post 1990 to be taxed for the extra weight that they carry, included many good ideas on how to educate young people on diet and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. It was this that passed the bill as a whole, however the amendments made removed the financal aspect, based on the concept that it would be discriminatory to those carry a few more kilos. Perhaps the most controversial bill of this years YMCA QYP, it certainly highlighted the emotional issues connected to a seemingly health based argument.

Private members statements begin

Private members statements have begun to be read in parliament today. Half of the members shared their 2 minutes speeches, dealing with issues which affect young people, the community and themselves. All of the speeches were listened to intently, whether controversial or unanimously agreed upon. One speech that was particularly inspiring was that from Member for Algester, Sope Agbejule, who called for youth to let their inner super hero shine. Other topics of note included the validity of QCS as a means of testing academic acheivement, recreational gun laws and many youth members concerned about the state of Indigenous Australia.

The private members statements will continue tomorrow.

EAT Bill passes by a hair

The Education, Arts and Training sponsoring team have passed the compulsory art studies bill. The division recorded a 38 for, to 33 against split. The bill called for Queensland students in years 8 and 9 to have greater access to visual art as a subject in their studies. The bill aims to allows students to get a taste for art, thus helping to foster the arts in Queensland.

The Oppositions amendments suggested that incentives proposed by the bill for institutions who participate be removed, as well as minor and rather petty, spelling and gramar mistakes. No amendments were passed.

CHDS pass Charter of Youth Rights Bill

The Community Housing and Disability Services sponsoring committee has successfully passed their Charter of Youth Rights Bill bill. This is the first bill presented to the youth parliament and the debate ran hot from both Government and Opposition.

The Bill calls for a charter to outline 3 main areas, youth rights, life education and youth services. It was designed to create a single document to which youth can refer to find out information that could help them through potentially tumultuous periods. The bill also stated that "by giving youth these rights it is also recognising that youth have a responsible role in society", meaning that by creating rights you also create expectations in order to deserve these rights.

Matter of Public Interest: Women on the frontline

The matter of public interest for the second day in parliament for QYP parliamentarians was that of putting females in the frontline. Brought forward by the Member for Lytton, Ellen Desmarchelier, the concept was debated with gusto. There was much concern for the role of females in a male driven profession, but in the end, a strong argument for qualified and trained females won, with the divssion resulting in 42 for and 30 against.

Matter of Public Interest: Day Light Savings

A fiery opening to the YMCA QYP parliamentary with a matter of public interest debate. The matter at hand was Day Light Savings and the Opposition's proposal to put in place Day Light Savings in the Southern half of Queensland. All members speaking in the debate delivered fantastic arguments, including the honorable member for Pumicestone, whose accusation that the Opposition simply wanted more time 'to go to the pub' had the chamber swell with jeers of both support and disdain.

At the end of the session, the no's had it with 42 to 27.

YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament Opened in the Red Chamber

The official opening ceremony for the 15th annual YMCA Queensland Parliament is currently being held in the Brisbane Parliament Red Chamber. The Speaker for Queensland Parliament, Hon John Mickel opened the the proceedings with a poiniant speech prasing the program for repressenting change.

Youth Governor Robert Mackay gave an encouraging speech when announced as commencing his role and MP  Wayne Wendt (Government) inspired many with his words.

Fellow guest MP Pual Langbroek, though from the other side of the fence (Opposition) shared in Mr Wendt's view that it is nessesary to argue and repressent all views, to better society.

The Participants, viewers and executive will now open parliament in the Green Chamber.

EAT wins Trivia Night

Education, Arts and Training won the 2010 trivia night tonight at North Pine. It was tough competition with the winning team followed by Health, Sport and Recreation and Regional Development, Infrastructure and Planning.

Topics covered included executive trivia, parliamentary knowledge and general facts. Teams looked great in their team colours and war cries rang loud all night.

Secondary leadership positions announced

Secondary leadership decisions have been announced for both the Government and Opposition. These key roles will help parliament run smoothly this week, as the participants head to Brisbane Parliament house tomorrow morning for their first day in the chamber.


Government

Premier – Lucas Bird, Ipswich West

Deputy Premier – Tim Herrington, Clayfield

jkdgfkjLeader of the House – Brett Parfitt, Ferny Grove

Government Whip – Jackson McGovern, Bundaberg

EAT Minister – Chris Pozza, Mackay

RDIP – Kiran Singh-Khiara, Toowoomba North

JAG – Danika Maxwell, Chatsworth

IA – Elise Wells, Murrumba

PINE – Helen Lane, Condamine

HSR – Kasey Donovan, Ipswich

CHDS – Jessica Ryan, Warrego


Opposition

Opposition Leader – Joshua Olm, Lockyer

Deputy Opposition Leader – Garrett Fitzgerald, Greenslopes

Leader of Opposition Business – Jordan Kitts, Stafford

Opposition Whip – Lawrence Nicol, Moggil

EAT Shadow Minister – Alanna Parker, Glasshouse

RDIP Shadow Minister – Brock Gunthorpe, Coomera

JAG Shadow Minister – Carley McNeil, Currumbin

IA Shadow Minister – Bianca Bond, Kabi Kabi

PINE Shadow Minister – Joshua Olm, Lockyer

HSR Shadow Minister – Tenielle Dunbar, Dalrymple

CHDS Shadow Minister – Shane McKenna, Brisbane Central

Residential week paper launched: QYP Quickie

Today marked the launch of the YMCA QYP residential paper. Circulated daily, this single sheet tabloid will keep spirits high, information flowing and participants informed.

Youth Premier and Opposition leader Announced!

The Opposition and Government sides have been formed today at the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament residential week. Representing the Government is elected Premier Lucas Bird, member for Ipswich West. Representing the Opposition is Josh Olm, member for Lockyer. With such strong leaership this years parlimentary debates are sure to be firey. Caucus deliverd some quick decisions with both sides discussing many issues, including day light savings. What will come out of this is anybodies guess but assitting in parliament draws closer both sides are preparing for a feirce battle.

Voting underway!

The election for the youth Premier and youth Leader of the Opposition are currently underway. Candidates delivered their speeches and members have voted. All are eagerly awaiting the results.

Super time at Bowling

Bowling at Strathpine Westfield Shopping Center was a hit last night, with most donning their super hero best or super villian worst. Top mentions go to Mabs for a very high score and Carly for dropping a ball backwards. A fun time was had by all.

PINE Committee wins tower competition!

Ice breaker activities were a hit on the first day of residential camp. The Primary Industries, natural resources and environment committee proved they know a thing or two about construction by making the best spagetti and marshmellow tower of all the comittees.

Residential 2010 underway!

As I type participants for the 2010 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament are arriving at YMCA North Pine 'Petrie Town' to begin an exciting week of residential!

(Above) Ice breakers are kicking off and roles are being ticked. It's going to be a good year!