Karen Andrews (McPherson, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to report to the House on an event I hosted in early July at Bond University on the Gold Coast—the McPherson Y20 youth forum. As members know, the Y20 is one of five official engagement groups of the G20. The Y20 summit was held in Sydney last month and made a range of recommendations on issues of most importance to youth within the jobs and growth policy framework.

I was very pleased to have the opportunity, just prior to the Y20, to host a local forum with one of Australia's Y20 delegates, Jonathan Pavetto. More than 30 young people from southern Gold Coast schools, universities and community groups attended, and, through lively discussion and debate, they communicated the issues, challenges and opportunities which most affect them. I know that Jonathan actively represented our nation at the Y20 and I am delighted that the views of young people in my electorate of McPherson have been included in this important discussion. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jonathan for taking the time to consult with our local community. Furthermore, I thank all of my local forum participants for their time and energy. I was very heartened and impressed by the enthusiasm, commitment and innovative thinking that our local young people brought to the discussion.