A young voice of Wagga is looking forward to how the upcoming state election pans out and predicted the current member will likely maintain his seat.
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High school graduate Luke Manning said Wagga MP Dr Joe McGirr will likely maintain his position that ended more than 60 years of Liberal electorate victories.
“I feel that a lot of people will turn to The Nationals mainly because, in a broader sense in the Federal division, a lot of people like Michael McCormack and I think his popularity will play a part in Mackenna Powell’s votes,” Mr Manning said.
“I think Michael McCormack has always been an active part of the community and even when he stepped in as deputy prime minister, he still focused on delivering the best laws for the Riverina and across Australia.
“I think people see him as someone they can trust, which has led to his popularity.”
Mr Manning said Ms Powell may also be viewed in favour because of her gender.
“I think a lot of Australians are concerned about the perceived ‘boys club’ that is in politics and she may receive a lot of votes, because she’s the only candidate that is female,” he said.
“It’ll be really interesting to see how everything pans out, especially with the minority Labor government and the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party.”
If Mr Manning was sworn in as the new member for Wagga, he said he would raise two major issues that the community is facing.
“I was talking to a lady the other day and she’s very involved in the police force and she said that there is a minimum amount of police offices we need and Wagga has about 40 less,” he said.
“So I would definitely try to build up the police force as crime is very prevalent here.”
Mr Manning raised concerns that Wagga City Council is facing a drop of nearly $5 million in Federal ‘Road to Recovery’ funds.
“Also the roads and infrastructure, because every time I go somewhere there’s always new damage and potholes and there hasn’t been a proper way of dealing with these issues with all different aspects of government,” he said.
Young leaders across Wagga are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to take over NSW Parliament House for a day and raise important issues in the community.
Mr Manning became a voice for Wagga’s youth last year and said the program “absolutely” enhanced his passion for politics.
“It gives them the opportunity to be active within politics and policy making and a chance to enhance the skills that are necessary, like public speaking, debating and team work,” he said.
“After Youth Parliament I became very involved in local politics and the Liberal Party and talked to people in policy making.”
He used the platform to advocate for more youth representation and address growing rates of mental health for LGBT youth.
Wagga MP Dr Joe McGirr urged students in years 10, 11 and 12 to apply for the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament by Friday, February 15.
“The program is all about empowerment and advocacy. It provides a platform for young people to have their voices heard through legislative debate and decision making,” Dr McGirr said.
“It is a valuable forum where you can learn about advocacy, leadership, and parliamentary and legal processes in a fun, practical, interactive and supportive way.”
The program includes an initial three-day training camp in April and then youth parliamentarians take over the NSW Parliament House and debate social issues relevant to them during the July school holidays.