Lake Albany is among four young leaders from the South West who represented the region in Parliament this week as part of a youth leadership program.

The 16-year-old from Margaret River represented the electorate of Vasse in the Y WA Youth Parliament’s six-day program, which took place from July 12-17.

Lake said he enjoyed meeting other passionate young people from across the State who share similar interests.

“It’s been fantastic meeting so many people who are interested in politics, who have done the research to put together their bill and debate it,” he said.

“I’ve gotten along really great with the member for Central Wheatbelt and it’s great meeting all of these people who are so invested, it’s a really fantastic opportunity for that reason.”

Lake said participants have covered a broad range of topics, from education reform to the housing crisis.

“I am the shadow minister for community and disability services, and the bill my committee put forward was reviewing the guardianship system and the ways we could reform that and create a process for people in care to apply to get their guardian removed or investigate alleged abuse by guardians,” he said.

“For the purpose of debating this bill and in the process of writing it, I have looked into it and it is really appalling, and it was actually just reviewed by the Legal Reform Council and I am particularly passionate about the subject area.”

For Lake, who one day would like to get into politics, the experience has been invaluable.

“I do want to go into politics,” he said.

“I certainly hold a lot of very strong opinions about this sort of thing, so yeah, I absolutely want to do it when I am out of school.”

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said it was great to meet Lake and hear about his interests and ambitions to be involved in politics and shaping the future of the State.

“Youth Parliament provides a wonderful opportunity to develop leadership skills and to understand and learn the parliamentary processes through firsthand experience,” she said.

“I congratulate Lake on his selection to represent the seat of Vasse.

“It is inspiring to meet the youth of our future and I wish him all the very best in his endeavours.”