Dawson's Young Voice Headed to Canberra

Andrew Willcox MP, Lucas Purdie and School Principal Adam Wheaton. Photo supplied

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A passion for politics, regional advocacy and Australia's future has earned Whitsunday Anglican School student Lucas Purdie the title of Dawson's Youth Representative for the inaugural 2026 National Youth Parliament, where he will represent the electorate in Canberra this August.  

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Selected from more than 2,000 applicants competing for just 150 positions nationwide, Lucas will travel to Canberra in August to join young leaders from all over Australia in debating national issues and gaining firsthand experience of the parliamentary process.

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“It will be especially interesting to talk about the issues we are currently facing as a nation with other students from around Australia and with Members of our Federal Parliament,” Lucas said.  

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“I am looking forward to representing our electorate, and creating connections as my aspiration for the future is to go into politics.”

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This achievement comes with the support of Lucas’s school and local community, who are proud to see what the aspiring young politician will bring to the National Youth Parliament.  

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“This achievement is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and passion for making a positive difference in the community,” said Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Mr. Andrew Wheaton.  

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“We wish Lucas every success as he embarks on this exciting journey, serving as an inspirational advocate for our region!"

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A strong advocate for regional Australia, Lucas is particularly passionate about securing greater investment in the Bruce Highway, which he believes remains critically underfunded despite its importance to communities across North Queensland.  

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“Our national highway is a major issue, as thousands of people rely on this crucial infrastructure every day,” Lucas said.  

“This isn’t a new topic, but the fact is it needs further investment now.”

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Alongside pushing regional issues, Lucas has a keen interest in international affairs and emerging technologies, particularly the growing influence of artificial intelligence.  

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“I believe that how we integrate AI will be crucial to growing the Australian economy into the future and we should focus on augmentation, not automation, which will allow workers to do more,” Lucas said.

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Lucas’s interest in politics has been shaped by a unique international upbringing. Born in the United Kingdom to a British father and an American mother, he moved to Australia with his mother at the age of seven following the death of his father.

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Now holding both British and Australian citizenship, Lucas said growing up across different countries and cultures has given him a broader perspective on world affairs and Australia's place within them. That experience sparked a strong interest in international relations and the role Australia plays on the global stage, helping fuel his ambition to pursue a future in politics.

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“I have come to truly realise why people say we live in the best country in the world,” Lucas said.  

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“My goal is to affect positive change to benefit all Australians into the future.”

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