Politics are often portrayed as boring. Long speeches, corrupt individuals and old buildings are often what the youth associate with it. I beg to differ.

I have always been fascinated by politics. For me, it is exciting to see bills become law, to see YOUR representative, who lives in YOUR area, represent YOUR views to the nation. It is exciting to see your voice heard in the big stage.

I believe the next generation should get excited about this too. In recent years, the next generation (millennials, GenX, iGen or whatever it is called) have sought to have their voice heard louder. Putting aside their intentions and views, it is encouraging to see young people expressing their thoughts and ideas. It is healthy for our democracy to have a youth that expresses their opinion.

Politics provides a platform for the next generation to have their voice heard directly. Voting for bills, initiating bills and contributing to committees are all practical ways politicians have their voice heard every day.

I would love to see more young people in our parliament. Not only that, I would love to see more young people passionate about politics, and being a generation of informed and well-researched individuals who voice out their opinions, even if they conflict with mine.

Politics is exciting. Lots of young people aim to ‘change the world’, and representing your region gives you an opportunity to directly influence the direction in which Australia is headed.

Lots of people respond disgusted when I tell them that I have a passion in politics. Maybe their reaction is justified, maybe they have been impacted by a less-than-ideal politician. I wish to, one day, see more young people say that they aim to be a politician when they grow up. I also wish for society to not shun them for that.

For the Christian community, we must also encourage political aspirations. Politics is a pathway for Christians to further push Christian values in our nation.

Ultimately, it is important to be excited about politics. Research it, find out what’s going on. Discuss it with your friends and family. Though it may be difficult, it is vital for us to know about politics and get excited by it, because this next generation will make up our parliament one day.