Mr STEPHEN JONES (1:51 PM) —I take this opportunity today to speak about two young constituents from Throsby who have been selected to participate in the YMCA New South Wales Youth Parliament this year. Paige Mackander, from Oak Flats, is in year 12 at the Illawarra Grammar School and has been chosen to represent the state electorate of Shellharbour, which falls within the boundaries of the electorate of Throsby. Secondly, Blake Osmond is an outstanding year 11 student at the Illawarra Sports High School and, for the second consecutive year, is the successful candidate to represent the state electorate of Wollongong.

The YMCA New South Wales Youth Parliament, which convenes, for the 10th consecutive year, in 2011, is a highly prestigious forum for young people to learn about and participate in the parliamentary process. The youth parliament brings together young people from across New South Wales who are nominated and selected by New South Wales members of parliament to represent the young people of their electorate on issues of concern to them. Typically, these young people are high achievers academically, with a strong commitment to community services and a desire to make a real difference in the lives of residents in their electorates. They are passionate about making their local communities a better place in which to live and want to improve their skills in public speaking and leadership. I congratulate Paige and Blake on their successful selection to participate in the NSW Youth Parliament 2011. I foreshadow that one day down the track they, as leaders of tomorrow, may join some of us in this place.