Young Labour congratulates Youth Parliamentarians on excellent performance.

The average age of parliamentarians in the House yesterday was significantly lower as participants of the Ministry of Youth Developments Youth Parliament 2010 took to their seats to debate issues relevant to New Zealand’s youth.

Youth Parliament, which has been held every couple of years since 1994, is an opportunity for those prospective future parliamentarians aged 16-18 to sink their teeth into contemporary political debates by attending everything from select committees to caucuses.

Youth Parliamentarians also had the opportunity to debate a mock bill, entitled the Adult Rights and Responsibilities (Age of Majority) Amendment Bill 2010, which sought to bring down the Age of Majority to 18 and remove discrimination against people under the age of 16 from the Human Rights Act 1993.

Two of Young Labour’s Executive members, Central North Island Representative Rory McCourt and Maori Liaison Officer Talia Ellison, were selected to be a part of the event, representing Labour MPs Moana Mackey and Clare Curran respectively.

While Ellison was selected to argue the merits of the Adult Rights and Responsibilities (Age of Majority) Amendment Bill, McCourt was selected to deliver a speech during the general debate, which meant that he could discuss whatever topic he wished to speak on.

He decided to address the House with a rousing speech entitled “What I am proud of and what I am ashamed of”, in which he accused ACC Minister Nick Smith of denying his Nan a hearing aid whilst simultaneously espousing the massive profit the corporation had made and Prime Minister John Key of revealing “…more about his nether regions than his real policy agenda”

Sound bites of his address were picked up by media outlets around the country and played repeatedly throughout the day, much to the thrill of both McCourt and Young Labour.

“We are extraordinarily proud of Talia, Rory and all of the other Youth Parliamentarians who represented Labour during Youth Parliament” said Young Labour President, Analiese Jackson.

“I had the privilege of attending many of the events throughout Youth Parliament and to be actively involved during the Caucus session in my capacity as the Young Labour Party President. The questions that were asked during caucus time were thoughtful and articulate and it was great to see the politicians mingle with their younger counterparts.”

“The wonderful array of speeches delivered in the House proved not only to members of the senior Labour Party, but to all who attended Youth Parliament, that we are fostering some exceptional talent in Young Labour."

"I expect to see many of the youth who presented in the House yesterday to return to the House once more in the future; only next time with the title 'Member of Parliament' after their name!”

Young Labour congratulates all Youth Parliamentarians, irrespective of their political alignment, for their outstanding contributions during the week and hopes that they get the recognition that they deserve from both their schools and local communities" concluded Jackson.

ENDS

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