A NEW generation of voters have cross-examined the Premier about the issues important to them as they prepare to cast their ballot for the first time in November.
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More than 20 teenagers took part in a question-and-answer session with Denis Napthine last week at Portland Secondary College with a number of participants able to vote in a few months' time.
The students covered issues ranging from medicinal marijuana to road funding, higher education reform, youth unemployment and public transport.
Year 12 student Bobby Hodgetts asked Dr Napthine, who is also South West Coast MP, about youth unemployment following the release of new figures last week.
"Even though I don't necessarily agree with his party on the issue, it was good to get an insight into the Premier's point of view," Bobby said.
Year 11 student Molly Dixon asked the Premier about the state government's stance on medicinal marijuana following a public campaign to have the contentious medication legalised. "It's an interesting debate. I've been keeping a close eye on it because it's been in the news for the past couple of weeks," Molly said.
Portland Secondary College teacher Chris Weinberg acted as moderator during the event, somewhat like television presenter Tony Jones in the panel discussion program Q&A.
"Some of the students who took part will be 18 when the election is held and they really take their vote seriously," Mr Weinberg said.
"It was great that the Premier could take part given his busy schedule. Not every voter can ask the leader of the state why they should vote for him or her, so it was a historic opportunity."
alex.sinnott@fairfaxmedia.com.au