Youth Parliament – 50+ years of history
The Y’s first ever Youth Parliament was held in Brisbane in 1963 in the Legislative Council of the Queensland Parliament. The idea caught momentum and was adopted across other states and territories.
In 1987, under the leadership of YMCA Victoria CEO, David Davis OAM and President, Marcia Pallet, the first Victorian Youth Parliament was delivered with 40 young people across the state. With the support of the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Rod McKenzie OAM, and the team at Parliament House, the first program was run in the Legislative Council Chamber, Parliament House. Thanks to the ongoing support and access to the chambers provided by our partners at Parliament of Victoria, the program has been running every year since.
The Y’s Youth Parliament makes a real impact
Over nearly 40 years in Victoria, the Y’s Youth Parliament has influenced around 60 pieces of state legislation. Bills first introduced by young people have gone on to become real laws, including:
- Banning of single use plastic bags
- Roadside drug testing for drivers
- Over-the-counter availability of the morning-after pill
- Mandatory wearing of bicycle helmets
- Gun reformation laws
- and many more.
Most recent win? The Victorian Government’s plan that public transport will be free for all under-18s from January 2026.
Victorian Youth Parliament 2025 – Amplifying Young Voices for 40 Years!
For 40 years, Youth Parliament has provided a platform for young people to have their voices heard, develop leadership skills, and create meaningful change in their communities.
This year, 120 Youth Parliamentarians came together with a shared purpose: to champion the issues that matter most to young Victorians.
From the energy of camp to the excitement of Parliamentary debates, the week was filled with collaboration, learning, and unforgettable moments. Together, we achieved so much:
- 19 out of 20 Bills passed through the Chambers and handed to the Minister for Youth
- 120 Youth Parliamentarians advocating for change and shaping the future
- 11 Youth Press Gallery members capturing the experience through insightful reporting and storytelling
- Countless conversations, connections, and opportunities for young people to grow as leaders.
A huge thank you to all our partners, supporters, volunteers, and alumni who helped make this milestone year possible.
To the schools, community organisations, families, and mentors who supported these young changemakers, thank you for believing in the power of youth voice.
And to Marcia Pallet, founder of Youth Parliament, whose vision created this remarkable program four decades ago, your legacy continues to inspire generations of young Victorians to lead, speak up, and create positive change.
Here's to 40 years of amplifying youth voices, and to the next generation of leaders shaping Victoria's future.
Introducing the 2027 Youth Governor of Victoria
We're thrilled to announce Aimee Ablett as the 2027 Victorian Youth Governor!
Aimee is now in her fifth year of being involved in the Victorian Youth Parliament Program. She is an English and Theatre Studies student originally from Mildura but now lives in Naarm, Melbourne. She currently works to share civics education with young people and cares deeply about creating community.
In her role as Youth Governor of Victoria, she is excited to represent youth and the issues they’re passionate about.
Looking to make change in 2027?
Applications open soon! See how you can get involved in this year's Youth Parliament.