Youth parliament leaves lasting impression on Katie Spinks

Participating in the recent youth parliament held in Canberra has left a lasting impression on St Mary’s College student Katie Spinks.

Earlier this year, Katie had been notified that she had been successful in her application to take part in the initiative.

She was selected as the Parkes electorate’s representative for the five-day program.

Youth parliament is a great opportunity for students to get an in-depth understanding of parliamentary processes.

Katie said the cohort had spent time at both Parliament House and Old Parliament House.

The students were given two mock bills to debate.

“We had to spend a fair bit of time preparing for those debates,” Katie said.

As part of the week in Canberra, the group also met with MPs, including Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey.

The students met with the Speaker to better understand how the nation’s parliament operates.

The group also had lunch with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

In their final day, they toured Government House and met with the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn.

Katie is interested in pursuing law after she completes her secondary school studies and thought youth parliament would be a great fit for her interests.

She also recently participated in the Mayor for a Day initiative at Gunnedah Shire Council with mayor Colleen Fuller.

Her recent inclusion in youth parliament has left such a mark that Katie is now considering politics as an option if she studies law – either as a member of parliament in her own right or as a staffer.

Reflecting on the recent trip to Canberra, Katie enjoyed meeting the other participants and discussing their various ideas.

“I met so many different people from around Australia,” she said.

Katie also said she left Canberra with a greater appreciation for what is involved in the various parliamentary processes.

“I had very little idea of what it all involved,” she said.

“They all do a lot more than what you see in the media.”