AT AGE seven, Jesse Streeting was plucked from class by his librarian to take part in public speaking – and he’s been addressing crowds ever since.
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Now, the Armidale High School student is one of two selected to represent the region at the 2017 YMCA NSW Youth Parliament.
“Public speaking comes naturally to me, because I’ve been doing it for so long it doesn’t worry me any more,” Jesse said.
The YMCA Youth Parliament is a two week intensity camp where constituents will get to see parliament in action.
Jesse said he was looking forward to representing regional issues he feels have been largely overlooked.
“There’s definitely a lot of issues that affect young people moving forward in the workplace – things like getting equal opportunity in the country as in the city, resources and access to industry professionals to get advice and training,” he said.
“There’s so much focus on the improvement of suburbia, the metropolitan schooling system and I think regional schools and areas can get left out.
“That’s something I’d like to bring up.”
Jesse was nominated by Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, who was impressed with his interest in the community and politics.
“Jesse’s political interest and avid debating history will make him a perfect contender to join the political bearpit,” Mr Marshall said.
“Without young people becoming engaged, the state and nation would be governed entirely by the political old guard.
“Young people can ensure they’re suitably represented and provide a more egalitarian society for all.”
The camps run in July and September and Jesse said he hopes his involvement will spur other young people to take an interest in politics.
“A younger person will have a different perspective on what they want to see happen for their future and the futures of their peers,” Jesse said.
“Whereas an older person might not look toward the future – that’s why I think young people should get into politics more.”
As to the backlash that comes with being a politician, Jesse said he thinks his skin is tough enough to handle it.
“Obviously with any decision you make there are people that aren’t going to be happy with it,” he said.
“I think I have tough enough skin to cope with some of the things that get said in parliament and politics.
“As a whole you make decisions that you think will be best for the majority – not everyone will agree with you but you’ll know most of the time the decision you made was right.”
The region will also be represented by Moree Secondary College student Jasmine Robinson.