- Fifty-nine young people welcomed as 2026 Youth Parliament officially opens
- Young people aged 15 to 25 will each represent a State electorate and debate Bills on issues important to them
- Program provides opportunities to develop public speaking, advocacy and leadership skills
Youth Minister Hannah Beazley today opened the Y WA's 2026 Youth Parliament, welcoming 59 young people from across the State to represent their peers and communities.
Gaining first-hand experience of Western Australia's parliamentary systems, this year's cohort of young people aged 15 to 25 will spend the next three days presenting and debating a range of Bills on issues that matter to them at Parliament House.
Participants each represent a State electorate and, over the past four months, have been working in committees to draft legislation as part of a leadership and advocacy program facilitated by the Y WA.
Bills that are successfully passed during Youth Parliament proceedings will be provided to the State Government and Opposition for consideration.
For more than 30 years, Youth Parliament has provided young Western Australians a platform to debate issues and share their ideas for WA's future. Several program alumni have gone on to represent their communities in State and Federal Parliament.
The Cook Labor Government has provided $68,912 to fund the 2026 Youth Parliament.
For more information, visit www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/wa-youth-parliament
As stated by Youth Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The Youth Parliament program provides an incredible opportunity for young people to gain experience in the workings of our parliamentary system while getting a chance to debate legislation that matters to them and build networks and friendships.
"Youth Parliament helps to develop the leadership, public speaking and advocacy skills of young Western Australians.
"I look forward to seeing what Bills this year's cohort put forward to benefit their communities across Western Australia."
As stated by the Y WA Youth Parliament Coordinator Alexandra Bell:
"Youth Parliament empowers young people to not only advocate for the issues they are passionate about, but also to forge connections and grow personally.
"I am continuously inspired by every Youth Parliament cohort. Their wealth of knowledge and ability to continue learning is truly inspiring.
"The experience is one of a kind and worthwhile."
