by unleash Editor and conference attendee, Erin Fouracre
from unleash16 January 2012
From a young age we’re groomed to think that politicians are slimy, dishonest and untrustworthy. They are out of touch with the issues that affect young people, we are told, and only care about ‘the vote’.
Moreover, we’re led to believe that this is okay, because young people are apathetic to politics; they are not interested in the issues that affect them anyway, so what does it really matter?
So how, then, do you explain what happened last month at the What’s Up West? youth conference in Parramatta? At this one-day event, the young people in attendance greeted local Member for Ryde, Victor Dominello, with an enthusiastic round of applause. The Minister responsible for Youth Affairs was there to be the subject of a Q & A discussion with the young conference attendees.
Really? A politician who is interested in addressing the needs and concerns of young people? A group of young people who are interested in politics; demanding answers to their questions?
When Q & A facilitator Leah asked the group, “Does anyone have any questions for the Minister?” she was greeted with a forest of raised hands. People as young as twelve asked the Minister pressing questions about youth homelessness, sexual health, gay marriage, multiculturalism, mental health services for young people, the 120 hour rule, and youth role modelling. The Minister provided answers to most of these questions, admitting to the complexity of most of these issues. When confronted with questions that he could not answer, Minister Dominello gave his details to the questioners with a promise, “If you send me a letter, I will welcome you to the warm fuzzy world of democracy. If there is not a decent response, let’s work together to figure out how to make it better.”
He continued, “We as politicians make decisions that affect the lives of young people in the State. I am the face of the government, so forums like this provide young people like you with an important opportunity to engage with their government.”
Good on you Minister Dominello for taking the time out to listen to the concerns of young people in Western Sydney.
And a big pat on the back to all the young people at the What’s Up West? youth conference for taking Minister Dominello up on the opportunity to engage with government, and for proving a lot of older (but not necessarily wiser) people wrong.