Wyatt is the LNP candidate for Longman, just north of Brisbane. He is 20 years old.

I question some of his political principles, as listed on his website: http://www.wyattroy.com.au/principles/. But then of course I do, as I have fundamental concerns about the direction that the LNP would take us in (as I do with Labor).

I am more interested in soliciting views from the OLO fraternity on whether it is a good thing, irrelevant thing or bad thing for a 20 year old to be a federal political candidate.

Would he be a good member simply because there is no one else anywhere near his age in our federal parliament?

Would a green member (one that is somewhat naïve, innocent and free of baggage) be a good thing?

[Of course a really green member (one that has a strong environmental and sustainability ethic) would be a great thing. But the LNP would hardly have anything to do with such a person!! ( :>o ]

Should there be more young people in our government?

While I commend Wyatt for standing, would we be taking it too far if we had people in their twenties in powerful positions of governance?

Wyatt certainly has different views to me, but I admire his strong stance and willingness to state his position without apology or dilly dally. There is enough mediocrity about as it is.

I am not sure how I feel about young people in those roles overall given that experience is something that is becoming undervalued and there is growing age discrimination in this country. However, it would be remiss to apply a similar prejudice to youth.

Perhaps a few younger candidates might bring a refreshing change and tempered with the experience of older colleagues might be a good thing.

Ultimately the test will be his character and ability which is true of any of us, regardless of age

He can put his name in the hat, same as anybody else. You dont have to vote for him.

I bet you'd tread more carefully if it was a young female candidate, just in case it looked like being a bit prejudiced.

Watch question time in paliament any night, and it looks like a bunch of dementia patients at the bowling club arguing who's ball is who's...

Ultimately it'll be up to the voters in his electorate. I for one wouldn't vote for someone as young and inexperienced as Wyatt Roy to represent me in parliament, whatever party they belonged to.

However, I'm sure that many voters will vote for him, simply because he's the LNP candidate - not that that party inspires any confidence at all in Queensland.

Wyatt should be banned. He's way too young. How could he possibly understand the workings of government. Just a kid.

Leave it to the adults.

"Adults" like Wilson Tuckey, Joe Hockey, Christopher Pyne, Julie Bishop, Tony Abbott ..... gee what a fine bunch of "adult" professionals. Keep the kids out!

I take your point, benq - and I certainly wouldn't vote for any of them either :D