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 President Marcia Pallet, the first Victorian Youth Parliament was held in the Legislative Council, Parliament House. Its 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 39 Years!
What an incredible week it has been! Over the past few days, we’ve been joined by some of the most inspiring young individuals at the Y Victorian Youth Parliament.
Their collective mission? To amplify youth voices and debate Bills they’ve been tirelessly working on for months.
The buzz of camp excitement and dedicated debating filled the halls! Here’s what we achieved together:
- 19 out of 20 Bills passed in the chambers!
- 120 youth parliamentarians passionately advocated for change.
- 15 youth press gallery members captured it all with thoughtful articles.
A huge thank-you to all our partners and supporters who made this week possible.
To the schools and community organisations who supported these changemakers, and to Marcia Pallet, the founder of Youth Parliament, your contributions continue to leave a lasting legacy.
Introducing the 2026 Youth Governor of Victoria
Scarlet’s unwavering passion for amplifying youth voices is complemented by their commitment to women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights, combatting domestic violence, and championing young people in out-of-home care. Their advocacy was first nurtured within the Youth Parliament program, and their connection to this community has grown deeper every day.
As the 2026 Youth Governor, Scarlet’s mission is to amplify the inspiring voices of Victoria’s young people while fostering the inclusive, safe space they themselves found in the program.
Scarlet will collaborate closely with our fearless Program Director, Kaitlin "Sheepy" Woolford, to bring the 40th anniversary of the Youth Parliament to life next year.
We can’t wait to see the incredible things Scarlet will achieve in 2026!
Looking to make change in 2026?
To be part of the Y’s 2026 program, applications will open this spring – stay tuned.