Young people aged 16 to 25 are encouraged to apply for the 2019 YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament to make their voices heard – and experience what it’s like to represent their peers in the Victorian Parliament.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing $640,000 over the next four years to support the Youth Parliament and Press Gallery programs, and to create more opportunities for young people with disability to participate.
Youth Parliament has a long and successful history in Victoria, having helped shape more than 25 pieces of Victorian legislation including laws on mandatory bike helmets, roadside drug testing and gun reforms.
Young parliamentarians will attend an intensive training camp in May where they will develop teamwork, public speaking and leadership skills to equip them for their parliamentary experience.
Teams of young parliamentarians will then draft, debate and vote on Bills during a three-day sitting at the Victorian Parliament in July.
Bills passed by the Youth Parliament will be presented to Labor Government ministers for consideration.
Applications are now open and close on Thursday 7 March 2019. For more information on how to apply, visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Gabrielle Williams
“Youth Parliament amplifies the voices of young people across Victoria and gives them an opportunity to engage with the highest levels of our government”.
“We’re giving young Victorians the chance to shape our policies, programs and services – I look forward to hearing passionate debate on issues that young people care about.”
Quotes attributable to the 2019 Youth Governor Olivia Beasley
“Youth Parliament is about young people challenging each other and voicing their opinions through respectful debate – the program is safe, welcoming, and open to all.”
“The program gives young people a new perspective and opportunities to speak up without judgement – you’ll make new friends or even a new family as I did.”
“If you are aged 16 to 25 and have a dream to change the world, I dare you to join the program – you will thank me later!”
Reviewed 19 August 2020