Catherine McAuley Catholic College Year 12 student Deena Clemson has taken the voices of regional young people to Canberra, representing the federal electorate of Lyne at National Youth Parliament.
During a week immersed in the workings of Australian democracy, Deena debated legislation, engaged with young people from across the country and met some of Australia’s most senior leaders, including the Governor-General and Prime Minister.
Speaking with ABC Newcastle and Upper Hunter Breakfast, Deena said representing a regional electorate had strengthened her determination to ensure young people have a voice in the decisions that shape their future.
Listen to the interview here:
“For me, I am really passionate about giving rural and regional young people a voice, especially in communities where that is often missed,” Deena said.
“It’s really important to ensure that those young voices are in that room.”
Representing an electorate with an older population has given Deena an important perspective on the need for young people to be part of conversations about the future of their communities.
One of the major issues debated during the week was the Intergenerational Fairness Bill, which challenged participants to consider how decisions made today can affect young people and future generations.
For Deena, one of the most valuable lessons from the experience has been seeing the collaboration that takes place behind the scenes in Parliament — beyond the political conflict often associated with Question Time.
“It is a great place where you have the ability to make change, but it’s got to be a change that you’re making collaboratively, not change that you’re making as an individual.”
That spirit of collaboration also shaped Deena’s reflections on leadership. Asked what makes a great leader, she identified empathy, critical thinking, collaboration and communication as essential qualities.
She said effective leaders need to communicate “in a way that supports those around you without forcing conflicts but creating solutions”.
The Canberra experience has further inspired Deena to pursue her interest in public policy and international affairs beyond school.
After completing Year 12 at Catherine McAuley Catholic College, she hopes to study a Bachelor of International Relations at either the Australian National University or Macquarie University.
Whatever comes next, Deena is already demonstrating the value of ensuring regional young people have a seat at the table.
