The annual Kiama Electorate Student Leaders Forum was held at NSW Parliament House on Wednesday.
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Kiama MP Gareth Ward said he was extremely proud to host local school leaders from across the region in the oldest Parliament in Australia.
“Of all the events I host in Parliament, this is the one I most enjoy. The opportunity to listen, engage and talk with student leaders keeps me in touch with the views, opinions and aspirations of our most valuable asset – our young people,” he said.
“I don’t want young people in my electorate to be in any doubt that I care deeply for their views, priorities and concerns. This forum is but one of the ways I seek to listen to local youth.
“The challenge to leaders is to create more leaders – and not more followers. I passionately believe in encouraging young people to be seen and heard!
“I was thoroughly impressed by the ideas and talent displayed by each of the 33 students leaders who proudly represented seven high schools from across our region.”
The students cam from Bomaderry High School, Kiama High School, Albion Park High School, Shoalhaven High School, Nowra Anglican College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School and The Illawarra Grammar School.
“The student leaders were given a tour of Parliament House, watched question time and during a workshop they were addressed by the Premier of NSW Gladys Berejiklian, Education Minister Rob Stokes and Minister for Mental Health and Women Tanya Davies,” Mr Ward said.
During the ideas workshop session, the school leaders were asked what policy issues they would address if they were given the opportunity to be premier for a day.
“Policy issues raised included young people and mental health, tertiary education and skills, jobs for young people, local public transport and environmental concerns,” Mr Ward said.