March 21, 2025
Students from seven State schools gathered at Kingaroy Town Hall on Thursday for a special Youth Parliament, designed to let them experience how democratic processes work.
Queensland Speaker Pat Weir officially opened the proceedings and then chaired its first and closing sessions.
Mr Weir congratulated all of the students for taking part.
“As a member for a regional electorate outside Brisbane, I know how important these events are for students who are unable to visit Queensland Parliament House with their school,” Mr Weir said.
“I thank the youth members for all of their hard work in preparing for this event and for delivering impactful speeches on topics that matter to them.
“It has been a great privilege to preside over and observe the Kingaroy Youth Parliament, and I trust that the students involved today will become more actively engaged in Queensland’s democratic process, inspired by their participation.”
Seventy-one students participated as Youth MPs. Other students assisted as Parliamentary Officers, including the Youth Sergeant-at-Arms who escorted Mr Speaker with a life-sized replica mace.
Also in attendance were Member for Nanango, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington and the Member for Callide Bryson Head.
The Youth Parliamentarians debated two motions, the first relating to provisions for healthy Queensland schools, and the second about sporting partnerships between schools and local representative sporting teams.
Students then had the opportunity to speak on matters of importance to them and their community.
The State Schools which took part were Coolabunia, Gin Gin, Moffatdale, Nanango, Taabinga, Windera and Yarraman.
[All photos courtesy of the Queensland Parliamentary Service]
