- Applications for the YMCA WA 2023 Youth Parliament are now open
- Youth Parliament is a leadership program that empowers young people to participate in our democratic processes
- Applications close Sunday March 26, 2023
Applications are now open for people aged between 15 and 25 years to take part in the Y's (YMCA WA) 2023 Youth Parliament.
Members of Youth Parliament will have the opportunity to gather in the Houses of the Western Australian Parliament to debate bills, giving them first-hand experience of our State's parliamentary processes.
2023 marks the 28th year of Youth Parliament where Members of Youth Parliament are given practical experience in leadership, public speaking, writing legislation and working as a team to achieve outcomes.
Participants will debate legislation after working in committees to develop a Bill regarding an issue they are passionate about.
In 2022-23, The Department of Communities has provided a total of $84,560 to fund the 2023 Youth Parliament.
Fifty-nine young people participated in the 2022 Youth Parliament, where eight Bills were presented.
Bills debated in 2022 covered areas such as art therapy, children's justice, education, electronic waste reduction, health, housing affordability, environmental education and local government reform.
Members of Youth Parliament are encouraged to meet with their local member and will become youth mentors following completion of the program.
The 2023 Youth Parliament program is a year-long initiative that features a residential camp from Sunday 9 July to Friday 14 July.
The program will be officially opened with a ceremony at Parliament House on Monday 10 July. Following the opening ceremony, Youth Parliament will convene for three days in Parliament House.
Applications close on Sunday March 26, 2023. More information can be found on the Y's Youth Parliament website.
As stated by Youth Minister Simone McGurk:
"Political participation is essential for a healthy democracy - I would encourage young people who want to create change to step up and have their voices heard.
"Last year the Youth Parliament debated bills that covered topics such as children's justice, electronic waste reduction and environmental education.
"Youth Parliament is a unique experience that will help shape our future leaders."
