By NICOLE VALICEK
21-year-old Olly Tripodi wants to be Australia’s next political voice. 109300 Picture: NICOLE VALICEK
WILLIAMSTOWN resident Olly Tripodi is in the running to become the voice of Australia’s largest generation.
The 21-year-old was announced as one of five MTV Millennium Movement finalists recently — a competition to find Australia’s next young political voice.
The millennial generation (born 1982-2003) represents 30 per cent of the entire Australian population but accounts for 46 per cent of the 1.2 million Australians who have not enrolled to vote.
Olly is the head of the 2013 Youth Parliament and extensively advocated for the beliefs of the young.
“The idea was pitched as, we’re looking for a young person to speak on behalf of all young people, noting that they don’t represent themselves that well,” he said.
“I saw an opportunity to represent issues that I believe in but also speak on behalf of young people.”
Olly said he was sick of hearing about the apathy, laziness and disengagement of young people today.
“If I could be part of or at the forefront on a movement that rectifies that misunderstanding, then that would be something that I could be proud of and something that’s really important.”
The passionate young person said he would relish in the opportunity to present important issues to young people in an assessable way and get them interested in the political system.
“An individual whose sole job is to advocate the beliefs of young people in a journalistic capacity just doesn’t exist elsewhere.”
“Solely representing this position would be good and asking the hard questions of decision makers.”
“This is the most incredible opportunity that I’ve ever had and that’s the honest truth.”
The elected Millennial Leader will be announced on 14 November, and will be ‘in office’ until 15 September, 2014 .
Vote for Olly at www.mtvmovement.com
