The Y - We believe in the power of inspired young people
Check out some of the Bills and reports that have resulted from Youth Parliament in previous years.
What will I do as a Youth Parliamentarian?
Discover more in our Youth Parliament Information Pack.
Think big, have fun and go far!
I have applied to be a participant, when will I know if I have been successful in my application?
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.
What is the program fee for participants?
The participant program fee is $1400.
What does the cost cover?
Residential camp includes;
Can I fundraise to cover my participation fee?
Yes! All Youth Parliament participants will be given a YP Fundraising Kit with guidance on how to fundraise your community, including info on how to ask your local MP to sponsor you.
Fundraising is an awesome opportunity to get out into your community and connect with people who would love to support you as a future leader.
Are there sponsorships to cover the program cost?
The Y welcomes people from diverse backgrounds to apply for the program. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, and those experiencing financial hardship are eligible to apply for sponsorship to support them with the cost of the program.
Feel free to contact the Youth Voice Team for a confidential discussion about your options - youthparliament@ymcansw.org.au.
Can I participate in the program as either a participant or volunteer if I am from a regional/remote area?
Yes! Of course, we would love to have you participate in Youth Parliament. We encourage young people from regional, rural and remote areas to apply. If you are living in a rural or remote area, you could be eligible for our Sponsorship Program.
Please note that travel to and from Sydney for the camps is not covered by the program fee.
If you have any more questions, please get in touch with our Youth Parliament Coordinator directly via email at youthparliament@ymcansw.org.au.
What kind of support is available at the camps?
The Y NSW Youth and Community team will be at camp as dedicated Wellbeing Officers – trained youth workers – they will be providing supervision and support at all times at camps.
I am a successful applicant, do both camps (in the April and July school holidays) have mandatory attendance?
Yes, both camps have mandatory attendance. If you cannot attend in person and have not communicated this to the Youth Parliament Program Coordinator before camp begins, you may be removed from the program.
Participants must remain on location for Training and Residential Camp at all times. Passouts are not permitted unless there's a medical or family emergency.
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. Therefore, a cooling-off period enables you to withdraw your position as a participant, which is before Monday, 8 April 2024.
If you cancel after this period, you will not be eligible to receive a refund.
I've heard about nominating a young person for Youth Parliament, what's it all about?
The Y’s influential Youth Parliament program educates NSW’s young people about the parliamentary process, enabling them to actively engage in public policy by creating and debating bills. Every participant’s potential to lead, learn and connect is nurtured through parliamentary education, community engagement, confidence building and teamwork.
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.
I am a NSW school teacher or Member of Parliament, can I nominate a young person to be Youth Parliamentarian?
Yes! You are welcome to nominate as many young people as possible in years 10-12 (or age equivalent).
You can nominate a young person by supporting them to complete the YP Application Form and writing them a support letter for them to upload.
Applications for #YP2024 are now open!
What is the program fee?
I know of a young person aged between 18-25 years, can I nominate them to be a part of the program?
Yes! For young people aged 18 years and over, you can refer them to the program as a volunteer.
I am a local Member of Parliament and I'd like to meet the Youth Parliamentarian representing my electorate – is this possible?
How can I be a part of the Youth Parliament program?
There are so many ways to be a part of program! You can support a participant financially by becoming a Sponsor or you can be a part of our Youth Sitting Week. Feel free to contact our Program coordinator to discuss how you can be involved.
Please reach out to our program coordinator via email at youthparliament@ymcansw.org.au.
What is Youth Parliament?
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 Taskie!
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