Samuel Doering, from Neales Flat, was recently involved in the Youth Parliament Training Weekend at the University of South Australia West Terrace Campus. Beginning with the event launch on the 5th of May, the weekend finished on the 7th.
Youth Parliament is an initiative that allows youth to learn about parliamentary debate, the parliamentary process, bill writing, public speaking and debating.
The Youth Parliament Launch was an opportunity for parliamentary dignitaries, local leaders and enthusiastic participants to meet up and begin the journey. Tony Piccolo MP gave an address encouraging youth to get involved wherever they could, take up opportunities and become a leader in their community.
Throughout the following two days, participants learnt about how the South Australian Parliament works, the subtle parliamentary etiquette and how to speak and debate in both houses. Sam said, “The highlight of the whole training weekend was being able to meet people, gain an insight into the Parliamentary System and gain confidence in public speaking and debating.” In addition to this, Sam put himself up for election to a leadership position and he was elected to become Leader, or Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House.
His group, who will develop and argue a bill together, will be debating whether it will be a viable option to establish a nuclear powerplant in South Australia. “Our aim is to investigate and debate whether establishing a nuclear power plant will increase jobs, power stability and open up the option for a nuclear waste dump as well – but we need to do some research before we know the full particulars.”
Overall, Samuel found the experience “is a great experience to gain confidence and go through some personal development. It was really quite empowering and inspirational!”
In July, the participants will be sitting in parliament for a whole week as part of the 22nd Youth Parliament.
Photos and Story thanks to Samuel Doering.