Year 12 Student Represents Whitsunday at YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament

YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament is a program that grants people aged 16-25 the opportunity to represent the issues of young people in their electorate while learning about government processes in a mock parliament context.  Photo supplied

‍

‍

Year 12 student Ashlin Styles was recently selected as one of 93 young people aged 15–25 from 500 applicants to take part in the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament. Ashlin is the student representative for the Whitsunday electorate. 

‍

Ashlin attended a three-day camp where she was officially sworn into Parliament and began working within her committee, Justice, Police and Corrective Services (JPACS), including Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. 

‍

During the camp, Ashlin had the opportunity to meet various Members of Parliament. As part of the committee, students are developing a bill proposing a new standalone Act to provide better reintegration support for people leaving custody, addressing gaps in areas such as housing and ongoing support. 

‍

Through this experience, Ashlin has gained a stronger understanding of how laws are created, along with skills in teamwork, leadership, and representing her community. She has also been placed on the refuting team for JPACS, where she will help review and propose amendments to the bill. 

‍

Ashlin will return to State Parliament in September for a five-day parliamentary sitting and is excited to continue developing the bill whilst preparing for the final sessions.

‍

‍