“Behind The Votes” The EU Election: The Votes of a Continent
Earlier in the year, at the start of June, the European Union (EU) member states went to the polls to decide who would represent them in the European Parliament (EP). These elections spanned the 27 member states, with trends reflecting what has been seen globally.
A JEDI Council fitting of the Galactic Empire; De-aridification bill fails to pass in parliament
It was to the great dismay of the opposition when, in the 29th sitting week of the YMCA SA’s Youth Parliament program, a proposed bill that aimed to target growing arid areas failed to pass.
The 29th session of Youth Parliament kicks off with a memorable opening ceremony
On the 15th of July, the 29th South Australia Youth Parliament program began with a formal ceremony involving all participants.
“Behind The Votes” UK Election Part 2: The Changing of the Guard
Sunak called the election standing in the pouring rain, foreshadowing the downhill turn of the Tories. Due to the economic downfall they had sent the country into, along side disappearing trust due to instability and illegal activity, it was fair to say Britain had lost faith in the Tory government.
“Behind The Votes” UK Election Part 1: A Revolving Door of PMs
The UK election in July demonstrated just how much the English political climate has changed over the 14 years of Tory rule in the country. With many complex elements, I will aim to explain the lead up that led to the landslide win for Labour and what this means for the country going forward.
Is a social media ban worth its buck?
In May, the South Australian Government launched a feasibility study for a proposed ban on social media access for people under 16 years of age following mounting concerns about young people’s mental health. This comes after the February 2023 decision to ban the use of mobile phones in all South Australian public schools, responding to reports of ‘out of control’ bullying and deteriorating student performances in schools. But, is a social media ban worth its buck?
Sania Ali
We interview Sania Ali, a young change maker seeking to make the world a better place.
What is going on?
It is said we live in historic times. Recent events have taken this beyond the joke. In one month, we have seen the worst presidential television debate in history, the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and the incumbent President Joe Biden withdraw from the race – despite being the presumptive nominee.
Australia has a new Governor-General, but what do they do?
The role of the Governor-General is becoming increasingly scrutinised for its actual relevance to Australia’s modern democracy. But is this critique really fair?
SA is banning political donations. Will it work?
The current draft legislation aims to safeguard democracy against third party interests. However, it is unclear whether it will strengthen our democracy, or just empower third party interests further.
Opinion Piece: The Proposed Social Media Ban
In May 2024, the South Australian government announced their intention to potentially prevent children under the age of 14 from accessing social media, and requiring parental consent for 14 and 15 year olds to use social media platforms.
The ban comes as reports of increased mental health concerns stemming from social media use have peppered mainstream media outlets for the first half of the year. There have been vocal advocates for an against the ban, and the Hub Interns have some thoughts.
Nuclear Australia, MAD enough to work?
Australia’s climate wars are nothing new. Since the Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1998, numerous governments (both Labor and Liberal) have failed to strengthen Australia’s energy standing, however can the Coalition’s public embrace of nuclear energy shift the debate?
The 2024 Budget: What’s in it for Australia’s Young People?
Every year, on a cool night in Autumn, the Australian Government releases their budget papers. The papers outline how the government plans to spend the country’s money over the coming years. It is a cornerstone of government policy and often a test to establish how well they are caretaking the economy.
Are young people the future of local government?
The South Australian government wants to increase record low voter turnout in local government elections. This begs the question, could young people be the solution?
Australian Government Brings Youth to the Table
The Office for Youth has released a detailed strategy to assist the Australian Government to develop its relationship with Australian youth, while also offering an ambitious glimpse into a youth empowered future.
The Australian Government needs to Clean Up Their Duty of Care Act
Australia is a big contributor to climate change with Australia being the highest emitter of C02 per person in the world and if strong enough actions are not taken to address the climate crisis, there will be serious consequences such as an increase in natural disasters, species becoming extinct, a rise in global temperatures, and growth in illness rates.
The Australian Government needs to Clean Up Their Duty of Care Act (Full Essay)
The Australian Government has a duty of care to reduce national emissions and effectively combat environmental issues to protect the future of its citizens.
US Midterm Elections
So, the elections are run every two years, and when they fall in the middle of a Presidential term (which is 4 years), they are called midterms. In these elections, candidates for both chambers of Congress - The House of Representatives and The Senate are up for election. The House of Representatives introduces laws in the form of Bills, while The Senate can block or approve them - as well as other roles, associated with the President.