Youth Parliament
A non-partisan leadership and advocacy program empowering young people ages 15 to 25 to have their voices heard and drive change.
Youth Parliament
Program Overview
For over 30 years, the WA Youth Parliament program has empowered young people to have a voice in Parliament and their community.
Delivered by the Y WA with support from youth volunteers, participants collaborate to simulate the WA Government, taking part in training, committee meetings, and a residential camp where they debate and vote on bills in Parliament House.
Participants connect with Members of Parliament and community leaders, and all proposed bills are presented to government officials and dignitaries.
SUPPORTERS & DONORS
We acknowledge the valued supporters and donors who play a vital role in helping the Youth Parliament program in WA achieve its program goals.
Major supporters:
Supporters and donors:
Program Details
Everything you need to know about this program.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Attend three training days where you’ll gain essential skills like bill writing, understanding parliamentary procedures, and mastering public speaking
- Collaborate in weekly committee meetings to craft a bill that addresses a real issue in your community
- Immerse yourself in a six-day residential camp, taking part in lively parliamentary sessions to debate and vote on committee bills
- Grow and refine your skills in communication, leadership, negotiation, problem-solving, teamwork, and collaboration
- Build life-long friendships with passionate, like-minded young people, and have plenty of fun along the way
- Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions section
WHEN IS IT HELD
- Applications open: 19 January 2026
- Applications close: 19 February 2026
- Applicants notified by: 26 March 2026
- Training Day 1: 18 April 2026 – kick things off with essential skills and new connections
- Training Day 2: 20 May 2026 – dive deeper into learning and collaboration
- Training Day 3: 27 June 2026 – polish your skills and prepare for the residential camp
- Residential Camp: 12–17 July 2026 – an unforgettable week of debate, leadership, and fun
WHO CAN APPLY
- Young people ages 15 to 25 ready to make a difference and grow as leaders
- Living in Western Australia and passionate about shaping the future of your community
- Driven by local issues and eager to represent your community
COST TO PARTICIPATE
- Cost: $510 for the residential camp – an investment in an unforgettable experience
- We understand this is a significant amount, and we’re here to help make it manageable
- Our Sponsorship Officer can assist with finding sponsorship opportunities through your local MP, school, university, or community organisations
- If full sponsorship isn’t possible, flexible options like a payment plan are available to ensure everyone has the chance to participate
CIVIC EDUCATION
- Our Youth Parliament team also delivers engaging civic education workshops for secondary schools across metropolitan Western Australia
- These interactive sessions give students a practical understanding of how democracy works and how they can actively participate as informed citizens
- Our workshops are designed to build confidence, critical thinking and leadership skills, empowering young people to become informed, responsible and engaged members of society
- Interested in booking a workshop for your school? Contact our team today to learn more
YP truly gives you an engaging way to learn how law and policy are formulated. I would strongly recommend YP to all interested.
The most enjoyable part of YP24 was the opportunity to debate one another’s bills in the Legislative Assembly chamber. It was an experience like no other.
The opportunity to discuss and debate topics that we considered important to young people in our state was a fascinating and educational experience like no other.
YP gave me the opportunity to meet and befriend so many other politically-engaged young Western Australians of a wide range of political persuasions.
YP has gifted me the gratifying opportunity to contribute to other people’s feelings of personal empowerment, act as a point of call to listen to their concerns and offer guidance based on my own experience.
Through being part of the taskforce team, it was not only fulfilling to see personal growth for those in the program but also stimulating to learn how to give and receive feedback and to reframe problems in new ways so others can understand them.
Youth Parliament has given me incredible opportunities.
The confidence, leadership and community skills I’ve developed and the relationships I’ve built have shaped my career. I wouldn’t be where I am today without YP!
The program has had a massive impact on my life.
Not only did it raise my confidence as a young person and introduce me to the world of advocacy, and show me that the state government does care about what you think and wants to know what you think. But on a more personal level, its had an impact on me by allowing me to have really meaningful friendships. A lot of the friendships I made in my first year are still ones that I have now.
Join Youth Parliament today
For over 30 years, the Youth Parliament program has shaped future leaders by giving young people a platform to influence real change, connect with MPs, debate bills in Parliament House, and make your voice heard in your community. Express your interest or contact us to learn more.
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