NSW Youth Parliament is a program that gives young people a voice in the running of NSW. It is a place where the opinions and concerns of young people in NSW are heard by those who have the power to make laws.

Jessica was nominated for the position by Member for the Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay. She is a prime candidate for Youth Parliament as she has been part of Glen Innes High School Student Representative Council (SRC) throughout her schooling as well as being elected on the regional and state SRC in 2011.

The Year 11 student will have a rare chance to make a difference to the running of NSW, as the Youth Parliament has the opportunity to present a Bill to the NSW Parliament for the state’s politicians to analyse and vote on.

Jessica found out she had been selected to be a part of Youth Parliament early this year and said it was a pleasant surprise.

“It was just something that popped up,” she said.

“I’d heard of it but I never thought I’d get in.”

As part of the initiative, Jessica travels to Sydney on April 13 for a Youth Parliament session as well as spending eight days in Sydney in July.

“I’m really excited,” she said.

But with the travel comes expenses and Jessica will be approaching local businesses and organisations in the coming week to seek sponsorship.

As part of being selected in Youth Parliament, Jessica has to seek public opinion on what topics she should raise on which to focus the Bill.

She currently has a number of quality ideas, including improving regional education and health care as well as looking to reduce underage drinking in regional NSW.

Anyone who would like to contact Jessica with an idea for the Bill can email her on jess@nickduffell.com.au.