SITTING in Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire's chair, Sam Bannister is politically-minded and views politics as his life calling.
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Sam has just been selected to represent the state electorate of Wagga for the upcoming NSW YMCA Youth Parliament event to be held later this year.
The event brings brings together 150 youth representatives from across the state to thrash out the issues of the day in a mock sitting of parliament for young people.
The 16-year-old Kooringal High student isn't fased about entering the political fray and says he will be bringing his perspective on life to the despatch box.
"I suppose you can call me a bit of a news junky," he said.
"The current affairs are what influence the outcomes of what is discussed in the chamber.
"You can make small changes in the community, but if you really want any binding, pressing changes the official way to do that is through parliament."
Sam sits on the communities committee for the event and said the only way for policy change is to ensure people work together to progress society.
"The Australian people as a whole are apathetic towards politics which is kind of worrying," he said.
"People don't seem to care about it as much as they should.
"This program is a step in the right direction for getting young people engaged with politics."
Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire's advice for Sam entering the fiery bear pit of NSW Parliament is to go hard.
"Get into the debates and do what you can to make a difference," he said.
"Not a lot of people get to do that in life."
Mr Maguire is no stranger to the slings and arrows of the political exchange, but said having an awareness of the day's issues is important.
"I didn't have the opportunity as a kid that Sam is having now," he said.
"I hope it encourages young people to take a stronger interest in the politics that govern us."
Already down with the politician's lingo, Sam said he couldn't "confirm or deny" his political persuasion.