Young voices take the floor at Youth Parliament

He said it was a “very inspiring and meaningful experience”.

“I had the chance to listen to many of the Youth Parliamentarians speak about important issues facing young people today,” Mr Zahir said.

“It’s an honour to represent my community and be part of something bigger than myself.

“I hope this inspires all young people — no matter who they are or where they come from — to believe in their voice and their potential.”

Youth Parliament sees young people aged between 16 and 25 draft a bill addressing a state-based issue that they would like to see changed or added into Victorian legislation.

The bills are debated and voted upon during their sitting week in the chambers of Parliament House and, if passed by the Youth Parliament, are handed to the Youth Minister.

Since its first edition in 1987, the Victorian Youth Parliament has influenced more than 60 pieces of legislation that are now laws of Victoria.

Mr Zahir said one of his favourite parts of the visit was seeing the parliament library.

“I really enjoyed spending time there and learning more about Victoria’s history and government,” he said.

State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe said this year’s Youth Parliament was inspiring and it was incredibly important today’s youths understood they could make a difference.

“I recently had the opportunity to chair a session during this year’s Youth Parliament and it was incredibly inspiring to hear the voices of young Victorians right across the state,” Ms O’Keeffe said.

“This is a unique opportunity for more than 120 participants to come into parliament and to experience firsthand the running of parliament, as well as the preparation and research required to put forward their debates and other contributions, but also to network with mentors, members of parliament and their peers.”