Page 3499 - Week 11 - Thursday, 14 October 1993
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
MR CORNWELL: Madam Speaker, I seek leave to make a statement on the same subject.
Leave granted.
MR CORNWELL: I thank members. Madam Speaker, as the chair for most of this inaugural Youth Parliament, I would like to say a few words. It was indeed a privilege to chair most of this meeting of 33 students from, as Ms Ellis has said, seven colleges and one high school - both government and non-government, I might add. The enthusiasm that was displayed was a credit. The behaviour was a distinct improvement on that in this house.
Mr Connolly: So long as they do not pick up your bad habits they are all right.
MR CORNWELL: One of the pleasing things, Madam Speaker, was that interjections were rare, and they were far more intelligent than those we get from the Attorney-General. What was also pleasant to see was the growing confidence that was in evidence over those two days. Ms Ellis has quoted the topics that were debated, I repeat, with enthusiasm and with spirit. We concluded with a matter of public importance which I think it is probably worth while to read out for the benefit of the house, and perhaps even the media present. I quote:
That the media is not serving the community interest in failing to sufficiently regulate the presentation of television and radio broadcasts and magazine and newspaper content. Such a failure is having a deleterious effect on the community's value system.
The point about that MPI that I noticed was that it was extremely difficult to ensure that everybody had the opportunity to speak. It was, I repeat, a very enthusiastic activity. Ms Ellis was there for that section of the Youth Parliament.
This inaugural YMCA Youth Parliament was unquestionably a success, and I believe that it should be repeated. I understand that it will be repeated. I hope that this Assembly can continue to make a contribution to it. I trust that this Youth Parliament, its deliberations and the decisions that it reaches can lead to better things, particularly in relation to a liaison with this house. It gives us an opportunity to hear and to learn what the youth of this Territory are considering and regard as important. I would certainly commend that to all of us. May I say in conclusion that, if the youth who participated in this inaugural Youth Parliament are a reasonable cross-section of the youth of this country, then the future of Australia is nothing to be concerned about.
PAPER
MRS CARNELL: Madam Speaker, I seek leave to present a petition which does not conform with standing orders as it does not address the Assembly nor contain a request.
Leave granted.
MRS CARNELL: I present an out-of-order petition from 161 residents who are patients and staff at Woden Valley Hospital, protesting the closure of ward 10A at Woden Valley Hospital.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .