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Hospital upgrades and the voting age were issues raised by Warrnambool College media students at a media conference hosted by The Standard.
Pupils from the school quizzed independent state election candidates Mike Neoh and James Purcell.
Moving the city hospital to Deakin University and funding for stage two redevelopment were discussed by Mr Neoh and Mr Purcell, who both agreed the healthcare facility should be relocated.
Mr Purcell said people should be able to vote from the age of 17, but it should be non-compulsory voting at that age.
“That gives 17-year-olds the choice to vote if they want to,” he said.
Mr Neoh said he believed voting should continue to be for those aged 18 and over.
The students also received an insight into life as a politician, with Mr Purcell, a Western Victoria MP telling the year nine pupils about working in Parliament House.
He encouraged them to get involved in their local communities from a young age, and said if they wanted something done, they should put their hand up to work towards change.
They both agreed local councils were good starting grounds for those with political aspirations.
Mr Neoh has served as Warrnambool City Council mayor, while Mr Purcell has held the role at Moyne Shire.
Mr Neoh encouraged the students to join their respective local government youth councils.
On Tuesday The Standard will host another candidate forum for students.