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.