For nearly 40 years, Youth Parliament has empowered young people to speak up, lead and create real change. This is where your voice can make a lasting impact.
There are numerous ways to get involved. You can:
- Participate in Youth Parliament as a Youth Parliamentarian
- Participate in Youth Press Gallery as a young journalist
- Volunteer for Youth Parliament by joining the Taskforce
Learn more about these opportunities below.
Volunteer for Youth Parliament
Do you have exceptional organisational and managerial skills? Are you passionate about supporting young people and ensuring their voices are heard?
Join the Youth Parliament Taskforce!
The Taskforce is a team of young volunteers who develop, deliver and evaluate the Youth Parliament program. It's made up of the:
- Executive Taskforce, who act as managers and aid the Program Director
- General Taskforce, who support the Executive team.
- Youth Governor, who is an elected member of Taskforce
Applications to join the Taskforce are now closed for 2026. Keep your eyes peeled for 2027 applications opening late 2026.
Participate in Youth Parliament
Participants can apply for the program in teams of six. You don't need to have a complete team when you apply, team members can be confirmed at a later date.
Each team is represented by a Resource Person (usually a teacher, youth worker or highly organised participant), who also handles the application process.
Applications are very competitive and limited spaces are available so the stronger your application, the better. We select teams based on diversity, their locality, and how the program would benefit them.
Team applications have now closed for the 2026 program. Keep your eyes peeled for 2027 applications opening late 2026.
Individual Opportunities: There is also an opportunity for individual young people who aren’t a part of a team or missed out on a team position to apply for the Youth Parliament program.
Being an individual means you will fill the place in a team when a participant drop’s out and can’t be replaced by the teams Resource Person.
Individual applications will open in early 2026.
Participate in the Youth Press Gallery
Participants can apply for the Youth Press Gallery as individual young people. The Youth Press Gallery is a program for 10-15 budding young journalists to develop and hone their journalistic skills.
We engage industry professionals to host workshops and masterclasses aimed at teaching industry specific knowledge.
Youth Press Gallery journalists will cover the Youth Parliament siting week, reporting on the debates and the outcomes of the Bills. Social media opportunities are also available for the Youth Press Gallery journalists.
Youth Press Gallery applications will open early 2026.
FAQs
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Who can apply to Victorian Youth Parliament?
The program is open to young people aged 16–25 across Victoria, whether you're a student, part of a community organisation, or simply passionate about making a difference.
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What’s the commitment like?
The program runs over several months, ending in an exciting week-long camp and debates at Parliament House.
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What happens after I apply?
If you've applied to participate in the Youth Parliament program, we'll carefully assess your application based on a uniform criteria and notify successful applicants via a Letter of Offer.
If you've applied to join the Taskforce as a volunteer, the next stage will be to attend an interview.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to attend an information night before the program begins.
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What types of Bills can we propose?
Any topic that matters to you. Past topics include climate action, education reform, and social equity.
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What makes Youth Parliament unique?
Legislation that changes lives
Over the years, more than 60 Bills debated in Youth Parliament have become law, including banning single-use plastic bags and introducing free public transport for under-18s starting in 2026.
Leadership built for the future
Youth Parliament equips young people with skills in public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving, helping you become a changemaker in your community.
A community that inspires
Join 120 passionate peers representing diverse regions and backgrounds from across Victoria. Together, you’ll shape solutions for the challenges that matter to you.
Got a question about the Youth Parliament Program?
Please reach out to our Program Director Kaitlin "Sheepy" Woolford at youthparliament.vic@ymca.org.au and she'll help with what you need.
Kaitlin "Sheepy" Woolford (she/her) - Youth Parliament Program Director