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Youth Parliament FAQs

Youth Parliamentarian FAQs

What will I do as a Youth Parliamentarian?

As a member of Youth Parliament, you will have the opportunity to learn about parliamentary procedure and the civics process, advocate for issues in your community, have meaningful conversations with decision makers, and build your confidence and leadership skills. 

I have applied to be a participant, when will I know if I have been successful in my application?

Applications close on Friday 8 January, 2026. All applicants will be notified by Friday 23 January, 2026 via email regardless of the outcome of their application. Please make sure to check your spam/junk folder just in case. If you have not received an application result email, by then, feel free to reach out to the team directly.  

What happens if my application for YP is unsuccessful?

Please do not be discouraged if your application for YP is unsuccessful. You will be placed on a waiting list in case a Youth Parliamentarian withdraws from their position in the program. Applicants on our waitlist will be contacted if an appropriate place becomes available.  

We may at times provide additional opportunities to engage with the Y NSW and Youth Parliament program, you can keep up to date with these opportunities by following our social media pages @the.ynswyp on Instagram and Facebook.  

What is the program fee for participants?

The minimum contribution for participants is $1700, which represents only a portion of the true program cost. If this amount presents a challenge, please indicate this in your application. Our team can support you with fundraising ideas and community connections, including schools, local councils, Rotary Clubs, and community organisations.

This fee covers:

  • Three-day training camp in April including accommodation, food and beverages, recreational activities and workshops on parliamentary process and leadership skills. 
  • Online group sessions working on youth bills, supported by Y Staff, Taskforce Volunteers, and industry mentors.
  • Potential networking opportunities with MPs, industry professionals, and Y Staff where possible.  
  • Roundtable discussions with MPs and other relevant stakeholders for young people to share youth bills and ideas, where possible.
  • 5-day Residential Camp including all accommodation, food and transportation. Residential Camp includes four days of programming at NSW Parliament House, including Opening and Closing ceremonies, youth debates and opportunities to meet MPs where possible.
  • Joining Youth Parliament Alumni with members across 20 years of YP.  

All accommodation, meals, transport, workshops, and materials are included.

 

Are there sponsorships to cover the program cost?

We may have scholarships available to support students experiencing financial hardship, or from a diverse background, including First Nations young people. You can indicate in your application if you would like to be considered for any scholarships, we may have available.  

We provide accepted participants with a fundraising support kit to help you raise funds to cover your program costs. Many young people seek support to raise funds from their community, which may include your school, local council, rotary clubs or other community organisations.  

If you would like to have a confidential conversation about the Youth Parliament fee, please contact the Youth Parliament team.

 

What kind of support is available at the camps?

Our Y NSW youth workers staff the camp as dedicated Wellbeing Officers, they will be providing supervision and support during the camps. We also provide a dedicated quiet wellbeing space for any participants needing a break. 

We are committed to making Youth Parliament accessible and inclusive of all young people, and can provide support for young people to participate, through tailored support plans for any participant. If you have significant support needs or have any accessibility concerns please reach out to the Youth Parliament Team.   

First Aid and Mental Health First Aid Officers will be present at all times during camp.  

I am a successful applicant, do both camps (in the April and July school holidays) have mandatory attendance?

Yes, both camps have mandatory attendance, and both camps are an essential part of the Youth Parliament experience.  

Participants must remain on location for camp at all times, unless previously arranged between your parents/guardians and the Youth Parliament team.

I am a successful applicant, but I need to withdraw from my position in the program. How do I do this?

We understand that commitments can change. Please contact the Youth Parliament team immediately to make arrangements.  

All participant fees must be paid by Thursday 19 March, 2026 - any withdrawals after this period will not be eligible to receive a refund.   

Can I use Youth Parliament for Duke of Edinburgh?

Yes! Please reach out to the Youth Parliament team once accepted to arrange. We will not be able to sign off until the program finishes in July.  

Nominating a Young Person FAQ

I am a NSW school teacher or Member of Parliament, can I nominate a young person to be Youth Parliamentarian?

The Y NSW’s influential Youth Parliament program educates young people in NSW about the Parliamentary Process, enabling them to actively engage in public policy by creating and debating bills.  

Nominating a Youth Parliamentarian is a rewarding experience and a powerful way for you to engage with young people’s ideas in your school and electorate and more broadly in NSW.  

Youth Parliament is always on the lookout for passionate and inspired young people! We welcome any nominations made by schools and/or Members of the NSW Parliament.  

To nominate a young person, please provide them with a letter of support to attach to their application.

What is the program fee?

The minimum contribution for participants is $1700, which represents only a portion of the true program cost. We highly encourage that if you have capacity to sponsor a participant from your school or electorate, or support their fundraising campaign – it would support this young person tremendously. If you would like to contribute towards the program overall, you can reach out to the Youth Parliament team.

I know of a young person who has graduated school, can I nominate them to be a part of the program?

Unfortunately, participation is limited to students in grades 10-12, but our volunteer taskforce is a fantastic way for young people who have graduated to get involved in the program!  

I am a local Member of Parliament and I'd like to meet the Youth Parliamentarian representing my electorate – is this possible?

Yes, please reach out to the Youth Parliament team at youthparliament@ymcansw.org.au to make arrangements! 

How can I be a part of the Youth Parliament program?

There are so many ways to be a part of the program! You can support a participant financially by becoming a sponsor, you can be an industry mentor for one of our youth portfolios, or you can attend Youth Sitting Week. Please reach out to the Youth Parliament team to discuss how you can be involved! 

Can I nominate more than one young person to participate?

Yes! You can nominate any young person in grades 10-12 to participate. You will need to fill out a unique letter of support for each participant’s application.  

Can I support their program fee? 

We highly encourage that if you have the capacity to sponsor a participant from your school or electorate, or support their fundraising campaign – it would support this young person tremendously.  

You can reach out to the Youth Parliament team to arrange a sponsorship, youthparliament@ymcansw.org.au 

Youth Parliament

What is Youth Parliament?

Youth Parliament is the Y NSW’s flagship youth leadership and civic engagement program and has been operating for over 20 years in NSW. The program enables students in years 10 to 12 across NSW to build confidence, develop leadership skills, create life-long connections, and engage with civic leadership skills, policy development, community advocacy and democratic parliamentary debate. 

Who can participate in Youth Parliament?

Young people in years 10, 11 and 12 in NSW can register to participate in Youth Parliament. 

Young people who have left school, aged 18-25, can volunteer to be a Taskforce Volunteer!

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