The Speaker of the Queensland Parliament, Fiona Simpson, officially opened proceedings of the Sunshine Coast Youth Parliament this morning and then chaired its first and closing sessions.
Ms Simpson congratulated all of the schools who participated in the Sunshine Coast Youth Parliament, saying that this significant event provided their students with a valuable experience of participation, citizenship and the way democratic processes work in their lives.
“I applaud the Sunshine Coast Youth Parliament Members for demonstrating their active interest in how our Parliamentary system works and for having their say on the issues that matter to them.
“It is wonderful to see Youth Parliaments occurring in regional Queensland and especially here on the Sunshine Coast,” Ms Simpson said.
“I hope that the students participating today will be inspired by this Youth Parliament and take on an even greater role in Queensland’s democratic process,” Ms Simpson said.
Today’s event at the Mooloolaba Surf Club saw 89 students from 16 different Sunshine Coast schools participating as Youth Members with another 70 students, teachers and parents observing the event.
Ms Simpson said that the Youth Parliamentarians debated two motions, the first on the confiscation of mobile phones in schools and the second on uniforms in schools. Students then had the opportunity to speak on matters of importance to them and their community.
“The Youth Members did a wonderful job, speaking from the heart and raising many important issues that face young people from across the Sunshine Coast,” Ms Simpson said.
“Myself and my fellow Members of Parliament who helped chair today’s debate were most impressed by the standard of speeches and the passion shown.
Ms Simpson thanked all the schools and teachers who were involved in this event. These participating schools were: Buddina State School; Caboolture Montessori School; Caloundra City Private School; Coolum State School; Cooran State School; Cooroy State School; Glenview State School; Maroochydore State School; Mary Valley State College; Nambour State School; Noosaville State School; One Mile State School; Palmwoods State School; St Joseph’s Nambour; Talara Primary College and Victory College.
