Indigenous youth urged to apply for the National Indigenous Youth Parliament 2014

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price is encouraging young Indigenous people from Durack to apply now for this year’s National Indigenous Youth Parliament to be held in Canberra in May.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to participate in a week-long leadership program and receive expert training in how government works, public speaking and dealing with the media,” Ms Price said.

“I urge any young Indigenous person in Durack, who is passionate about issues that affect them and their community, and interested in learning about parliament and how laws are made, to apply to participate in the youth parliament.

“NIYP offers the chance to gain skills and knowledge and the chance to meet future Indigenous leaders from all around the country, who are interested in making a difference for their communities.”

The centrepiece of NIYP is a two-day simulated parliament in the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra on 31 May and 1 June 2014. Participants will debate bills on issues that affect their communities. The bills will be presented to the Government and the Opposition for consideration in developing relevant policies.

“The youth parliament coincides with a parliamentary sitting week in Canberra and I look forward to meeting this year’s youth parliamentarians and discussing the issues concerning them,” Ms Price said.

“No specific skills or experience are required to apply for NIYP, apart from a desire to have a say in what's going on in your community."

NIYP is for Indigenous Australians aged 16 to 25 and will be held from 28 May to 3 June 2014.

Young Indigenous Australians must apply no later than Monday 10 March 2014. Participants will be chosen based on their ideas, their interest in government and their potential leadership skills. Application forms are at www.aec.gov.au/Indigenous

The Youth Parliament is run by the Australian Electoral Commission in collaboration with the YMCA and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.