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27th Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM

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Reception for the 30th Anniversary of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament

YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament Youth Governor, Ms Jasmin Peak, and Members; Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Queensland, Mr Damian Foley, your staff and YMCA mentors; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this evening.

As many of you have been spending time at Parliament House, Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House for this special reception to mark the 30th anniversary of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.

Since its beginnings, the YMCA Youth Parliament has given young people valuable opportunities to experience democracy first-hand and to better understand the roles of Parliament, Ministers, MPs, the Judiciary and, of course, the Governor.

Over six months you have stepped into the shoes of legislators—consulting communities, researching issues, debating options, formulating policies and drafting Bills.

As you have debated Youth Bills in the Legislative Assembly, you have raised contemporary issues that matter to you and to many young people who might otherwise feel unheard. Your voices matter, and as Governor I recognise their importance within our constitutional system of government.

The Youth Parliament, a partnership between the YMCA and the Queensland Government, provides a valuable opportunity for you––as it has many other young people before you––to contribute more fully to our democracy.

Representing all 93 electorates, you bring diverse perspectives and passions, united in the Legislative Assembly for a unique and rewarding experience. Through your debate and advocacy, you are demonstrating real commitment to civic duty.

May the lessons of this program guide you as leaders in your chosen paths, and as influencers and champions of not just your cohort, but of your communities, professions and workplaces, industries and institutions, cultural and sporting organisations, and of course our state.

I commend you on your desire to make lasting and positive impacts on the world around you.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I wish the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament a happy 30th anniversary and continued success well into the future.

Thank you.