Margaret River teen Amelia Glass to represent Vasse in youth Parliament

A Margaret River teenager will represent the Vasse electorate in Parliament with sixteen-year-old Amelia Glass endorsed as the Y WA’s Youth Parliament candidate for 2024.

The role is as part of an annual program supporting committed youngsters in developing their political know-how.

Y WA chief executive Tim McDonald said the fhe four-month youth program aimed to inspire teenagers, help them develop networks, and perhaps pave the way for a future in politics.

“Now in its 29th year, (the program) offers young people an insight into the workings of government and policy development,” he said.

“What makes it so special is that it aims to be truly representative of the views and concerns of the state’s next generation of community leaders.”

The program culminates in attendance at Parliament House in early July to take part in live debates on bills proposed by youth delegates.

Amelia said she signed on to the program at the encouragement of Labor MP Jane Kelsbie.

One of the burning issues for her and her peers was the difficulty faced by many after high school, and the relocation to work or study in Perth.

“I’m very interested in regional development because the quality of life in the regions greatly differs from Perth in terms of health and education outcomes,” she said.

“I am also very interested in education, specifically regarding university accommodation being a severely unregulated area.

“Another area of interest is primary industries, as I grew up in an agricultural area that is rapidly evolving to counteract climate challenges.”

Amelia said it was important for young people to have a voice to guide political decisions that will affect future generations.