YOUTH ministers avoided discussing real policy changes and finance but even then the floor was heated, according to Mount Isa representative Justice King.
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Ms King, 17, was the shadow minister for transport, utilities, trade and tourism at the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament last week.
She distinguished herself from the other 88 electorates when awarded the Dr Joe Goodall Community Spirit Medal.
The medal goes to the most community-engaged youth parliamentarian.
Ms King said the parliamentarians examined legislation and explained what needed changing.
Sometimes the parliamentarians caused a ruckus with cries of “shame, shame” when they heard views they disliked.
And there were occasions Ms King did not agree with the views of her own caucus.
At times she shook with anger, especially when her party discussed feminism and domestic violence.
Ms King said domestic violence policies needed to be tailored to protect victims that were both men and women, while some of her caucus members did not.
“It should be provisional across the board and tailored to each situation,” Ms King said.
She remained quiet and professional. However, Ms King warned: “If I was actually a politician I would definitely have said everything I wanted to say.”
Her plan during youth parliament was to remain open minded with controversial topics such as mental health and gay rights.
“My golden rule is you may not particularly agree with the content of the bill or contents of someone’s speech (but) being in youth parliament you have to believe in someone talking.”
The members of the youth parliament remained friends despite the views that were spoken.
“The beautiful thing of the Queensland Youth Parliament is you can go into such a passive aggressive environment and leave in a tranquil friendship environment.”
Ms King aspires to one day become a federal MP, but doubts whether the friendliness in youth parliament exists in federal politics.
