Year 11 Student Joins Youth Parliament

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I’m 16 years old and currently in Year 11. I’m originally from Nundle, a small rural town that has had a big influence on who I am and the values I hold. Growing up, I spent a lot of time helping out in my family business, which gave me an early understanding of responsibility, problem-solving, and the challenges that small businesses face in regional areas. This experience has also shaped my interest in politics, particularly how government policies can impact local communities and regional economies.

I’ve been boarding at Knox Grammar School in Sydney since Year 7, which has allowed me to experience both country and city life. I’m a passionate and competitive sailor, and I love getting out on the water whenever I can. Sailing has taught me resilience, decision-making, and composure under pressure — and competing in the Sydney to Hobart is definitely a long-term goal of mine. During winter, I play rugby for the School, which I really enjoy because it builds teamwork, leadership, and discipline.

What made you want to become involved in the NSW Youth Parliament? What interests you about politics?

A few of my mates and I decided to apply for Youth Parliament because we saw it as an exciting and meaningful opportunity to challenge ourselves and get involved in something beyond school. We thought it would be a great way to develop leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of how government works. Given how competitive the program is, I wasn’t overly confident about being selected, so I was genuinely surprised and incredibly honoured to be announced as the Member for Tamworth.

I’ve always had a strong interest in politics. At home, we regularly discuss Australian politics and, more recently, American politics as well. Those conversations sparked my curiosity about how policies are developed, how decisions are made, and how those decisions impact everyday Australians — particularly people living in regional communities like mine.

What was the process for being selected as Tamworth’s Youth MP?

The application process was quite detailed and highly competitive, with many strong applicants from across New South Wales applying for limited positions. I believe my application was accepted because I proposed a policy focused on improving rural education — an issue that is very close to home for me. You will be hearing much more about this policy later in the year during our Sitting Week in NSW Parliament, where Youth Members debate the bills we have developed.

Being selected to represent my region is something I am extremely proud of and genuinely grateful for. While I’m not entirely sure of the exact selection criteria, I aimed to clearly demonstrate my passion for regional communities and my commitment to contributing meaningfully to the program.

As part of Youth Parliament, each member is required to raise $1,750 to fund their participation. To support this requirement, I’ve written to our local State Member Mr Anderson, Tamworth Regional Council, our Federal Member Mr Joyce, and the Tamworth Business Chamber seeking assistance.

The fundraising component mirrors the real-world political process, where candidates are required to seek financial support in order to run campaigns and advocate effectively for their communities.

What do you hope to achieve with the Parliament this year?

As a member of the 2026 Youth Parliament, I will be assigned a portfolio, which hasn’t yet been finalised. I have applied for Rural Affairs, Education, and Finance, as these are areas that strongly align with my interests and future aspirations.

Being a representative of a rural electorate, I would particularly value the opportunity to contribute to Rural or Regional Affairs, ensuring that country communities are properly represented and heard. At the same time, Education and Finance are both crucial portfolios that shape opportunities for young people and influence long-term economic stability. I am looking forward to learning more about the legislative process and understanding how to bring rural and youth-focused issues to the attention of decision-makers in Sydney in a constructive and practical way.

Is politics something you’re looking to pursue in the future?

At this stage, I’m still exploring my options and keeping an open mind about different career pathways. I’m currently considering a career in finance, potentially working in investment banking, as that field really interests me. However, politics is also a very meaningful and impactful area of work. I’m hoping that through this program, I’ll gain valuable insight and experience that will help me determine whether pursuing politics in the future is something I would seriously consider.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

The Youth Parliament program begins with a camp in April, where all selected participants come together to connect and engage in a series of workshops focused on advocacy, leadership, and parliamentary education. During this time, each portfolio group collaborates to research, develop, and draft their Youth Bill, which will later be debated during Youth Sitting Week at NSW Parliament House.

Participants also take part in skill development workshops covering leadership and advocacy, receive parliamentary training including etiquette and bill writing, and participate in practice debates to prepare for the formal sitting week. We are also provided with media training from the Communications team to help us confidently communicate our ideas.

A second camp will take place at Parliament House in Sydney in July, where each portfolio presents and formally debates their bill within the NSW Parliament chamber.

Why is it important for young people to get involved in initiatives like Youth Parliament?

Decisions made in Parliament directly impact young people in many areas of life — including education, employment opportunities, mental health services, and regional development. While elected representatives work hard to consider the needs of young people, there is real value in hearing directly from youth voices and lived experiences.

Youth Parliament provides an important platform for young people to actively engage in the democratic process, develop leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to policy discussions. It ensures that our generation has a voice and a genuine opportunity to influence conversations about the future that we will inherit and help shape.