“I envision a future in federal politics where I can effectively represent my fellow Kimberley residents, the people of Western Australia, and, most importantly, those in regional and remote areas across Australia. I believe that when used correctly, politics can serve to benefit everyone,” says Tremane Baxter-Edwards.
The 17-year-old from Wyndham Western Australia was the only Indigenous participant at this month’s Y WA Youth Parliament 2024 and was handpicked to represent the Kalgoorlie electorate. Baxter-Edwards is currently in his last year at Aquinas College and held the prestigious title in the Y WA Youth Parliament as Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
“As a young Aboriginal person from remote Western Australia, I have always been deeply passionate about making a significant impact in my community, particularly in areas such as regional development, education, youth affairs, Indigenous affairs, mental health, and combating violence against women,” Baxter-Edwards says.
He was one of 59 inspiring ‘next generation’ youth leaders whose voices were heard loudly and proudly in the annual Y WA (formerly YMCA) Youth Parliament, held across 8-11 July, presenting and debating eight bills they wrote based around issues they deemed important.
Empowering youth to engage
It was the culmination of a four-month leadership program aimed at empowering youth to participate in Australia’s democratic processes. Eight committees with varying government portfolios were formed, each researching that policy area and working together to draft a bill they felt tackled important issues.
Bills debated varied from ensuring educational equality between private and public schooling in WA, to implementing a state-run rental affordability scheme, to introducing rehabilitative art programs in WA prisons.
Youth parliamentarian debates were overseen by real members of parliament, including influential West Australian political figures such as the Minister for Youth the Hon. Hannah Beazley MLA, the Hon. Sue Ellery MLC, and Lisa Munday MLA. At the conclusion of the program all bills were presented to the governor and the state government for review and consideration with several previously presented bills leading to real changes in state legislation.
The Y WA offers an impactful program that is underpinned by its commitment to empower young people and give them access to a platform that enables them to have their voices heard. The 2024 Y WA Youth Parliament group represented metropolitan, rural and regional WA communities and boasted a promising young group of culturally and linguistically diverse people. The initiative is led and run by a dedicated team of young people, including volunteers and former participants, with the assistance of the Department of Communities.
Bills under each portfolio
- Education and Training Committee – Equality in Education Bill 2024
- Health and Mental Health Committee – Food and Beverage Marketing Act 2024
- Housing Committee – Housing Supply and Rental Reform Bill 2024
- Child Protection and Community Services Committee – Child Protection and Foster Care Bill 2024
- Culture and the Arts Committee – Rehabilitative Arts Programs in Prisons Bill 2024
- Jobs, Trade and Commerce Committee – Youth and Small Business Relief Bill 2024
- Regional and State Development Committee – Regional Education Advancement Fund Bill 2024
- Police and Justice Committee – Justice and Policing Reform Omnibus Bill 2024
“The Y WA Youth Parliament provides a platform for young people to have their voices heard on issues that are important to them and their local communities,” says Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald.
“It truly is our next generation of leaders who are passionate and have a desire to create change.”
