Two weeks ago, she and other students joined a YMCA youth parliamentary program.

They wrote, presented and debated bills in the Legislative Assembly Chamber.

Seven out of 10 bills were passed and will be debated by real politicians.

"I wasn't really interested in politics before going through the program but now I think I might keep it in mind,'' said Ashleigh, in year 10 at Cerdon College, Merrylands.

"I learnt so much and it was such a fantastic opportunity for young people.''

Bills were based on government portfolios such as environment, transport, health and industrial relations.

Ashleigh's bill focused on regional development.

"This bill will create a program that offers subsidies to businesses and their employees to move to rural areas, thus creating jobs for locals and hopefully helping to combat the overcrowding that is occurring in our major cities.''

Ashleigh's mother Rina Prasad said she and her late father, Bisun, were "very, very proud''.

"My father was Ashleigh's male role model and he was so proud and so encouraging when she was picked as our electorate's representative at the camp,'' Mrs Prasad said.

"It was very hard for us when he passed away three weeks ago.

"He wasn't able to see her in the opening and closing ceremonies of the program.

"I'm so proud that she put her hand up to do something out of her comfort zone and to double her workload in her school certificate year.''