Mackay’s Youngest Queensland Youth Minister Achieves Legislative Success

Arhamah Haider is an impressive Whitsunday Anglican School Year 10 student whose
dedication and passion has made waves in inspiring a vision for our future, not only in
Queensland, but also on the international stage in 2024.

In the United Nations Voice Public Speaking Competition earlier this year, Arhamah
showcased her exceptional skills by placing first in the Mackay region, second in the State,
and competing at the national level. Her talents have earned Arhamah the title of Australian United Nations Student Ambassador, and she is now actively involved in shaping policy for
young people within the United Nations Council in New York.

Arhamah was one of only six Australian delegates to represent Australia at the prestigious
United Nations Youth Council in New Zealand in June 2024.

Demonstrating her legal acumen, Arhamah was elected as one of three barristers in the
International Court of Justice for 2024. In this role, she collaborated with her peers to
defend crucial issues such as sanctions and state sovereignty, earning recognition as one of
the best delegates at the Council. Her impressive achievements also resulted in Arhamah
being featured on the cover of a special edition of New Zealand Vogue magazine.

In another notable milestone, Arhamah made history this year, as the youngest Youth
Minister for the Queensland Youth Parliament, representing the seat of Whitsunday. Out of
98 youth members, she was selected as one of only 12 ministers, now leading initiatives for
young people across Queensland aged up to 25.

Notably, her portfolio resulted in a bill that has been successfully passed by Youth
Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly in September and will be signed into official
legislation aimed at enhancing communications for Queenslanders in disaster management.

Whitsunday Anglican School Principal, Mr Andrew Wheaton, shared that the entire School
community was proud of Arhamah’s achievements throughout the year and the inspiring
path she is paving for herself and the youth in the region.

“We could not be prouder of Arhamah’s accomplishments and the positive impact she is
making.

“Impressively, she is able to serve as a strong advocate for our region, whilst she also
has the confidence to influence future policy on the world stage.

“Her future is bright, indeed.”

Arhamah is humbled by the opportunities offered to her and notes the experiences have
been both surreal and life-changing.

“I am very grateful for the opportunities that have been provided to me and to my school
for supporting me.

“These experiences will stay with me for a lifetime.

“One of the highlights of the International Model United Nations Youth Competition was the opportunity to connect with many renowned diplomats.

“These interactions were valuable, offering insights into possible careers and setting the foundation for future opportunities in the fields of international relations and law,” she said.

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Arhamah Haider and Whitsunday Anglican School Principal, Mr Andrew Wheaton. Photo supplied

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