KIAMA’S Imogen Bakewell is hoping to use her selection as Kiama’s representative in this year’s Youth Parliament as a stepping stone to her ultimate goal in international relations.
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The 17-year-old Year 12 Kiama High School student and 2015 school captain said she loved being involved with any type of youth activity. She was thrilled when she found out she had been selected to represent the area.
In my application for the Youth Parliament I said the three areas I am currently most concerned about was the deregulation of the milk industry, women’s health and young people ‘falling through the cracks’ in relation to education.
- Imogen Bakewell
Youth Parliamentarians will follow the same processes and procedure as their adult counterparts, and also participate in question time, matters of public importance and private members business.
“I have spoken to former Youth Parliamentarian Riley Richardson, who I work with at Jamberoo Action Park and he told me how much he enjoyed taking part and what he learned from it, so I was really hoping to get the chance,” Bakewell said.
“I love being in a position of leadership and hope to study International Relations at ANU in Canberra next year with a view of maybe working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“In my application for the Youth Parliament I said the three areas I am currently most concerned about was the deregulation of the milk industry, women’s health and young people ‘falling through the cracks’ in relation to education.”
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said Imogen had proven herself an outstanding student leader at Kiama High and thoroughly deserved her nomination.
“I know that Imogen understands the issues important to young people in our local area,” Mr Ward said.
“I look forward to watching her energetic contribution throughout Youth Parliament.
“As a former participant in the National Youth Parliament, I recall how much I enjoyed the experience of putting forward ideas and debating issues which matter to young people,” Mr Ward said.
The YMCA oversees the running of Youth Parliament around Australia and has run it for over 20 years in some States.