While most Australians were preparing for the federal election, a different kind of political energy was building at Camp Yarramundi, where 93 young people from across NSW gathered for the Y NSW's 2025 Youth Parliament Training Camp.
Representing 74 electorates, this year's cohort is rewriting what leadership can look like. With 10 participants identifying as First Nations, 47 as culturally and linguistically diverse, 25 as LGBTQIA+ and 17 living with disability, this is a group whose lived experience challenges the status quo of political representation, and they're ready to be heard.
"I'm most excited about meeting new people and making great connections," said Rosie, 15, a scholarship recipient and participant from Coogee. "But also excited to put myself out there and make a difference with my voice and opinions."
Now in its 23rd year, Youth Parliament provides a rare platform for young people in years 10 to 12 to write, debate and present their own Youth Bills in a hands-on program that's about real-world impact.
Participants arrived as strangers but by the end of the week, 97 per cent said they felt a sense of belonging and all participants agreed the camp has seen them step outside of their comfort zone and build resilience.
All 93 participants attended the Youth Parliament Training Camp in late April, which allows the participants to connect and engage in a series of workshops ranging from advocacy, leadership and parliamentary education. These workshops prepare each committee to write a Youth Bill, which will be debated in the Parliament of NSW later in the year.
"My biggest motivation for applying to Youth Parliament was the ability to create change," said participant Haadia aged 17 from Londonderry.
"It's the idea that I'm actually in a position to do something lasting and meaningful. As youth, we don't really have as big of a platform to speak and have our voices heard. This is the primary opportunity for us to be creating change," added Haadia.
Financial accessibility remains central to the program's success. Over 30 percent of this year's cohort received some form of financial assistance, including Rosie, whose scholarship followed the Y NSW's recent Voices for Change event.
This year, 33 per cent of Youth Parliamentarians are from regional areas, a cohort often underrepresented in political spaces. Their presence is reshaping conversations during committee sessions, with rural needs and perspectives influencing the development of policies designed to benefit all young people across NSW.
"It was a real privilege to speak with the young people at the Y NSW's Youth Parliament 2025 training camp," said CEO Rob Kennaugh.
"Even at this early stage, their passion, insight and thoughtful questions were genuinely impressive. These young people are our future politicians, teachers, nurses, accountants, policy writers and advocates, they are our changemakers!"
The program is also powered by a dedicated group of alumni volunteers who return year after year to mentor participants and keep the experience grounded, inclusive and youth-led.
From now until July, participants will continue working in committees to draft legislation, build persuasive cases and prepare for Youth Sitting Week, where their ideas take centre stage.
In a week when the nation's political future is top of mind, the Y NSW's Youth Parliament is a timely reminder that the next generation isn't waiting in the wings, they're already leading.
