The SE Voice’s cadet journalist Brandi Miller was a keen observer of the Women in Business and Regional Development’s “Great Debate” last week. We asked Brandi, as a Mount Gambier teenager, to tell us in her words her thoughts on the debate and South Australian politics in general.
Like many young people I do not know much about politics.
I am not ashamed to admit that.
I grew up in a household that believed children should not be involved in politics and for that I am thankful.
I follow those same beliefs myself.
There is a reason the voting age is 18 in Australia; children do not have the capacity to make these decisions, nor should they have to.
Do not get me wrong I toured Parliament House and learnt about the Constitution but not the individual parties or their policies.
As a kid it was not my place to be listening to adults fight about my future.
My mother’s philosophy was to respect everyone regardless on whether she agreed with their political or religious views, a position she hoped more people would take.
I remember vividly when I was in primary school a local candidate’s corflute was hung up outside our school.
My mother moved her car, climbed on the bonnet and pulled it down because “children should not be subject to politics”.
When I turned 18 it was my choice whether to get involved and learn more, but at that time I chose not to because I did not think it was important or that I could invoke change.
I am now 19 and have watched two local candidate forums so I am in no way an expert, but I now understand how important politics are and the power we have as voters.
At one of these forums, I stood up and asked a question to one of the candidates.
The emcee stated it was good to see the younger generation getting involved.
I was the youngest in the room and while for me as a cadet journalist that is not unusual, in a room of political change I wish it was.
I encourage other young eligible voters to at least do some research on the candidates you are voting for and to vote for those who share your beliefs and priorities.
You can incite real change regardless of your age.
And just FYI, this article is not sponsored by the South Australian Government.
