Mackay Student Selected for Queensland Youth Parliament

Mackay student Erin Hanrahan has been selected as the new Youth Member for Mackay in the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP), representing the region alongside young leaders from across the state.

‍

Queensland Youth Parliament is a YMCA Queensland leadership and civic engagement program that gives young people aged 15 to 25 the opportunity to experience the parliamentary process firsthand. Participants work in committees, develop bills, and debate proposed legislation inside Queensland Parliament while building skills in leadership, public speaking and advocacy.

‍

The Year 11 student said being accepted into the program was both exciting and unexpected, admitting she initially doubted she would be selected.

“When I first applied, I was almost certain that I would not be accepted, especially to represent a region like Mackay, but I decided it was worth the rejection letter,” Erin said.

‍

As part of the program, Erin joined the Education and the Arts, Industrial Relations, Small and Family Businesses Committee — an area she said strongly reflects her own interests and experiences.

Having lived in Mackay for 14 years, Erin said she wants to ensure regional voices are represented in discussions affecting young Queenslanders.

‍

“It feels easy to get caught up in the mundane side of regional life, but I’m ready to step back, appreciate how lucky we are to live here, and make sure a little part of the Mackay experience is reflected in our bill,” she said.

Queensland Youth Parliament gives young people the opportunity to debate proposed legislation inside Queensland Parliament while developing leadership, networking and public speaking skills.

‍

Erin said hearing from previous Youth Members inspired her to apply.

“QYP was described as a way for young people to create tangible change and undergo meaningful growth by putting yourself out there and expressing your opinions in an environment that cares about what you have to say,” she said.

‍

“It’s not every day that a 16-year-old gets to debate a bill in Queensland Parliament.”

During a recent meeting with Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, Erin discussed her passion for education, the arts and youth advocacy, as well as the importance of equity across Queensland communities.

“If I was an MP, I think I would have a specific focus on Education and the Arts, and youth,” Erin said.

“Queensland is a very large place, with people from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. I think instead of promoting for an individual, we should look for the spaces that need improving to achieve equity across the whole of Queensland.”

‍

Mr Dalton congratulated Erin on her selection and praised her willingness to step forward and represent Mackay’s young people.

‍

“It’s fantastic to see young people like Erin taking an active interest in leadership and the future of our region,” Mr Dalton said.

“She is already showing great insight and passion for her community, and I have no doubt she will represent Mackay incredibly well.”

‍