Applications for the 2026 program have now closed. Applications for the 2027 program will open late 2026.
As a Youth Parliamentarian, you'll work in a team of six to write a Bill that you're passionate about, then debate this in Parliament House. You'll also attend training and recreational camps where you can develop personal and professional skills, and socialise with other participants.
See what's happening in this year's program.
How to 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.
Got a question about the application process?
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Bill?
In Youth Parliament, a Bill is a 3-4 page document that outlines proposed legislation. You will spend Term One and Term Two figuring out an issue that you’re passionate about and writing a Bill, with support from a Taskforce mentor.
In the first week of the winter school holidays, you will stand up in Parliament House and debate why it should be law in Victoria, against another team participating in Youth Parliament. You will get lots and lots of support in how to create and debate yours (and others’) Bills, we believe anyone can do it!If you would like an example of what a Bill looks like, you can see the previous Bills.
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Do I need to have a team of six to apply for Youth Parliament?
You do not need a team of six to submit an application for Youth Parliament. This is to provide time for schools or groups who wish to participate to submit an application and source their participants once they have been accepted into the program.
However, you will need to have a confirmed team of six young people by the deadline of 5:00pm Friday 31 October 2025, should your team be successful in the application. -
Do I have to go to the camps to participate?
Yes, it is compulsory for every participant to attend and participate in the residential camp aspects of this program. Not only will there be a heap of really important information and skill building covered on the camps, but they are designed to be engaging experiential learning opportunities to develop personally and professionally in a supportive and collaborative environment. Incredibly meaningful connections are built between participants, and between the taskforce and young people involved. We promise you won’t want to miss out!
If you have questions or concerns about the camp, please email our team at youthparliament.vic@ymca.org.au and we’re more than happy to make sure you know that camp is safe, fun and empowering.
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I’m doing VCE and have lots of homework! Is there time to study on camp?
Camp will be very busy with lots to do. While we can’t promise a quiet place to study that you might be used to at home, there will be breaks provided for meals, with the most free time in the morning before the day begins and at night before bed.
However, participants typically prefer to spend this time socialising with their peers and taking a break from camp sessions. We would suggest taking a break from school work to enjoy and celebrate your camp achievements! -
What does the cost of the program contribute to?
The participant fees cover the nine days of residential program (including all accommodation, catering, and mid-program transport), all training and Parliamentary support (including online and face-to-face content), and program materials.