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 is ready
The YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament 2025 will see 120 diverse young change makers taking over Parliament House to advocate for change.
These future leaders, representing communities spanning from South Gippsland to Mildura, will share their lived experience on Bills that they developed themselves and want to see actioned.
Find out who they are and what they’re saying here.
Looking to make change in 2026?
To be part of the Y’s 2026 program, applications will open this spring – stay tuned.