Move over Premier Denis Napthine – these six Overnewton Anglican Community College students reckon they know a thing or two bout running the state.
Year 12 students Tijen Irmak, Ashton Buijs, Marcus Pensa, Cihan Icel, Brittany Braszell and Joel Jones are experiencing what life as a politician is like this week as they take part in the 28th annual Victorian Youth Parliament.
MPs have handed over the reins, and their desks, to 120 people aged 16 to 25 who will debate 20 items of proposed legislation.
Students will also attend an official reception at Government House.
The students, at Overnewton’s Keilor campus, have drafted a piece of legislation calling for mandatory life skills classes in secondary schools.
“Education is an important part of creating a successful society, but there are many vital skills that students are not getting from their education today,” Ashton Buijs said. “Everyone deserves to know how to manage their finances, care for their health and have the general skills that are required for day to day living.”
All legislation passed by the Youth Parliament is referred to relevant government ministers for consideration. More than 25 Youth Parliament bills have gone on to become actual legislation, including drug testing for drivers and over-the- counter availability of the morning-after pill.
Marcus Pensa said the Overnewton students had spent hours perfecting the bill to comply with legislative style. “We have to follow the standard protocols of the bill – such as including definitions, how it will be applied, when it’s effective – so we’ve had to make sure the bill ticks all the boxes.”
Youth Parliament started on Sunday and ends on Friday.
