Year 12 student, Ethan, recently represented 国产爆料 in The Advertiser Teen Parliament, an annual initiative that brings together 30 South Australian students from Years 10鈥�12 to debate ideas aimed at improving the lives of all South Australians. Held in the House of Assembly, the program gives young people a platform to develop policy, refine their speaking skills and engage meaningfully with real-world issues.
For Ethan, the motivation to apply was deeply personal. Through the work of his own non-profit organisation鈥攆ocused on improving access to sport for marginalised young people鈥攈e has spent time with families facing significant challenges. 鈥淚 sat down with families rationing showers due to unreliable energy bills,鈥� Ethan explained. 鈥淭his personal exposure to SA鈥檚 renewable price volatility caused me to apply and present on reliable clean energy solutions.鈥�
Ethan鈥檚 Teen Parliament proposal centred on the role Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could play in Australia鈥檚 transition to sustainable, low鈥慹mission energy. Over several months, he explored the anthropogenic impacts of SMR technology and its potential to complement South Australia鈥檚 rapidly growing renewable sector. 鈥淪MRs are a new generation of nuclear systems designed to deliver safe, low鈥慶arbon energy,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e compact, factory-built and can be installed closer to where energy is needed, reducing construction time, cost overruns and environmental disruption.鈥�
Ethan believes strongly in the need for reliable clean energy options that work alongside wind and solar, especially given South Australia鈥檚 intermittency challenges. His ability to communicate this with clarity and conviction saw him stand out among his peers.
Reflecting on the experience, Ethan shared, 鈥淚鈥檝e continued to develop my skills in rhetoric and policy framing through the lens of pathos and logos. This will hopefully allow me to start writing policy in the near future.鈥�
In recognition of his outstanding participation and debate contribution, Ethan was awarded one of only ten $10,000 scholarships offered through the program鈥攁n exceptional achievement.
With aspirations to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Philosophy, alongside interests in Anthropology and Sociology, Ethan leaves Teen Parliament equipped with valuable skills and a strengthened commitment to contributing meaningfully to public policy in the future.