FOR most teens politics is about as appealing as chewing on a truck driver’s sock.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But for Farrer High’s Ryan Hansen, the contest of ideas the political arena offers is enthralling.
Ryan, 17, is one of two high school students from the region selected to attend the prestigious National Schools Constitutional Convention, to be held next month at Canberra’s Parliament House.
He will join about 120 other students from across Australia in a three-day convention aimed at debating topics about the Australian constitution.
The Year 12 student earned a berth at the convention after attending the NSW Constitutional Convention.
While Ryan hasn’t committed to a career path yet, he said dabbling in politics was a distinct possibility.
“I have a genuine interest in change-making and reform,” he said.
“I have a keen passion for debating and I love the fact I will be given a chance to be educated more on the political system.
“I certainly wouldn’t rule out entering politics in future.”
He said the negative light politicians were cast in by the media “fostered a stigma” around the political system.
“They’re typecast as whingers and a lot of young people don’t realise they are there to benefit regular people,” Ryan said.
Ryan remains undecided about his future studies but is leaning towards engineering or arts.
The topic for next month’s convention is Australian Federalism: States’ Rights and National Priorities.
Duval High School’s Lucy Eddy has also been invited to attend.