Students in leadership positions across the federal electorate of Burt took part in the Burt Youth Leadership Forum earlier this year.
During the forum 24 High School students presented reports on the biggest issues they believe face society and young people, alongside proposals on how to fix them.
Federal member for Burt Matt Keogh holds the forum every year to give students a voice in Federal parliament.
This year the main focus for students was the issue of mental health.
In March Mr Keogh told Examiner Newspapers that mental health is a big focus for youth.
““Every year mental health comes up,” he said.
“I know we’ll be getting across mental health issues when students stop making mental health the top topic of a youth forum.”
Earlier this month Mr Keogh presented the reports to Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese.
Mr Keogh said he was pleased to be able to give young people a voice in Federal Parliament and present the reports to Mr Albanese.
“Young people are so often not given the opportunity to be part of forming the policies and making decisions that will impact their lives and futures,” he said.
“We need to ensure consultation with young people isn’t an afterthought but is a genuine part of decision making.
“Locally, my Burt Youth Leaders Forum has for a number of years ensured our community’s young people are heard by our Federal and State political leaders. “Nationally, Labor have also proposed a new framework to provide a direct channel between young Australians and the Federal Government.”
