Media Release - YMCA NSW Junior Parliament Premier from Maitland.

25 September 2015

Jenny Aitchison MP, Member for Maitland, yesterday took pleasure in chairing a debate in the YMCA NSW Junior Parliament, where John Leao from Woodberry, demonstrated he has the skills and confidence to be a significant force in the Maitland political landscape in the future.

“John was elected amongst his peers to hold the position of Premier in the Junior Parliament and it was a proud moment for me to be able to see the talent we have in Maitland shine through in the debate on juvenile recidivism."

Maitland was well represented with John Leao as Premier, along with James Peters, Minister for Health, and Grace Aherns, Minister for Juvenile Justice, also on the front bench of the Junior Parliament.

Junior Parliament is an apolitical program that introduces young people to the legal and parliamentary process of NSW. It shows them how to be advocates for their community and gives them the opportunity to create solutions to the problems facing NSW and debate those ideas in NSW Parliament House in front of real MPs.

“It is great to see young people getting involved, having a say and contributing to the important issues of society”, said Ms Aitchison. “All junior parliament representatives debated this issue with passion and great spirit, showing that they have the potential to be great future representatives of our community."

“I will be watching their future progress with great interest and I look forward to seeing the great things they will achieve. They should be very proud."