Applications are now open for people aged between 15 and 25 years to take part in the Y's (YMCA WA) 2022 Youth Parliament.
Now in its 27th year, Youth Parliament is a leadership program that provides an opportunity for young people to experience first-hand the state's parliamentary process, express their views and propose solutions by assuming roles as Youth Members of State Parliament.
The Department of Communities provides a total of $75,226 to fund Youth Parliament.
Participants work in committees to develop a Bill regarding an issue they care about before debating the legislation in the chamber of the State Parliament.
59 young people participated in the 2021 Youth Parliament, where eight Bills were presented.
Bills debated in 2021 covered areas as diverse as life skills for high school students, child medical neglect, First Nations cultural awareness, the development of regional centres and decriminalising sex work.
Youth Members of State Parliament also have the opportunity to meet political figures, network with other passionate young people and gain insight into lobbying for change in the community.
The 2022 Youth Parliament program runs from Sunday July 10 to Friday July 15, with the Youth Parliament to be officially opened at a ceremony at Parliament House on Monday July 11. The Youth Parliament will convene for three days.
Applications close on Sunday March 20, 2022. More information can be found on the Y's Youth Parliament website.
As stated by Youth Minister Dave Kelly:
"The Youth Parliament is a great opportunity for young people to engage in the parliamentary process, advocating for the issues most important to them in the very chamber where laws are made.
"I would encourage all young people to get active politically, whether that be in Youth Parliament or through campaigning within organisations.
"It's important young people are heard and that their issues are elevated.
"I look forward to meeting the Youth Members of State Parliament in this year's program."
