A Wagga student has praised the YMCA's annual youth parliament for giving young people an opportunity to speak out and have their voice heard on the state's most topical issues.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mater Dei Catholic College student Harry Holbrook has built up his communication and leadership skills by ferociously debating the effectiveness of mandatory sentencing in NSW as part of state's single punch legislation.
Harry, who was inspired to enter the youth parliament by his work in his legal studies subject at school, has spoken out on the issue in the bear pit and labelled it "ineffective".
The laws set down mandatory minimum jail sentences to people convicted of serious assault offences. The laws have been criticised by the legal community who say they are too broad.
"Mandatory sentencing subverts the judiciary and takes away the discretion of the judges," Harry said.
"It's very important to move away from the 'lock them up' approach to justice."
The year 12 student is a member of the youth parliament's "criminal justice committee" and sits on the mock government benches.
As part of the committee, Harry has written a piece of legislation that focuses on rehabilitation of alcohol-fuelled offenders.
Harry said drafting legislation in the week-long youth parliament gives the state's leaders and decision-makers the opportunity to be hear the views of young people.
He said he has been in close contact with Wagga MP Daryl Maguire as well as other players including Greens MPs David Shoebridge and Mehreen Faruqi.
"There needs to be more of a focus on youth voices ... every bill that is brought forward has an impact on us," he said.