Two Indigenous teenagers are among 59 people from across Western Australia hand-picked to have a chance of influencing legislation across the state.
The duo and their cohort will each represent a state electorate in WA, advocating for legislative change that positively impact young people, while gaining political leadership experience through the Y WA Youth Parliament program.
The program runs over four months and has evolved over the decades to become a conduit to change, with several youth-focused policy suggestions from previous program participants resulting in legislative change in WA.
Now in its 31st year, Y WA developed the non-partisan leadership and civic engagement program to educate and encourage young people to advocate for their communities, and make recommendations to Parliament on policy changes the youth they represent want to see.
The group recently united for the first time at the program's inaugural training camp, the first of three residential camps intended to build skills, confidence and connection.
First Nations participant Brielle Jackson, from Kununurra, is representing the Kimberley electorate, sitting on the Community and Disability Services Committee.
The proud Muslim and Ballardong and Wadandi Noongar teenager is interested in politics and hoped the program would enhance her chance to be a voice of change for others.
"I'm passionate about using my voice to represent young people and stand up for what matters," she said.
"I want to become a senator one day, and this experience will give me a real insight into how parliament works, while helping to build skills I need."
Ms Jackson said she was driven by a desire to see equality among all young people across WA.
"As a Muslim and First Nations person, representation is deeply important to me, and I hope to inspire others from my mob and Muslim community to believe in their potential," she said
"Young people are not just the future, we are part of the present, and our voices deserve to be heard. We bring fresh perspectives, lived experiences, and ideas that can shape better decisions for everyone."
Educational opportunities for everyone were an area of particular interest for Ms Jackson.
"It [education] directly shapes the lives and opportunities of young people," she said.
"I want a future where all young people - especially those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds - have equal access to support and opportunities."
Ms Jackson has already met some fellow program participants to discuss their training, which includes three full-day workshops and online meetings, where they draft, debate and advocate for mock youth-focused laws, and was eager to broaden her skillset and experience.
"I hope to develop my confidence, leadership skills and ability to speak up for others in a powerful and respectful way," she said.
"Most importantly, I want to grow into someone who can inspire change both now and in the future."
The program's second First Nations participant, Kaya Caterer from Leederville, would represent the Perth electorate and sit on the Housing and Urban Development committee, before the four-month program culminated in a live debate in the chambers of Parliament House across three days in July.
Their proposed bills are then presented for review and consideration to government and opposition members, the WA Governor and Perth Lord Mayor, as well as WA's Department for Communities.
Y WA chief executive Tim McDonald said the program gave participants insight into the workings of government and policy development, and also a voice for young people on current issues affecting them.
"Through the Youth Parliament program they build confidence and capability, develop independence, and form meaningful connections with each other and their communities," he said.
