The Y NSW’s Youth Parliament program is a longstanding and respected civic education and leadership driver that provides a powerful pathway for young people to participate meaningfully in policy development and democratic debate.
For 25 years, The Y NSW’s Youth Parliament program has been inspiring young people across New South Wales to raise their voices, engage with democracy, and influence the issues that matter most to them.
In the last two decades, over two thousand students in Years 10–12 across metropolitan, regional, and rural NSW have come together to research, write and debate youth-led Bills in the Parliament of NSW. Taking on the role of Members of Parliament, they tackle real issues affecting their communities while building leadership, confidence, and the skills to shape civic life.
This year, the Y NSW will bring together 100 young people, selected to represent electorates from across NSW where they will debate issues in both the NSW Legislative Council and the NSW Legislative Assembly and will champion issues impacting young people today, from education and mental health to women’s affairs, housing and social equity. “Youth Parliament was an incredible opportunity to connect with young voices from across the state, grow together as a united front for youth representation and communicate our own ideas/opinions in a supportive environment,” said 2026 Youth Governor, Jamison Dustin.“Youth Parliament was a transformative experience that allowed me not only to grow as a leader, but to grow as an advocate. I came to YP passionate about Education, and the program fostered that passion. It allowed me to be heard and feel seen. I am honoured to be coming back this year as the Youth Governor to represent the new group of participants and pass on the impactful experience Youth Parliament was for me.”
Participants will undertake months of preparation, research, and collaboration, culminating in a formal Parliamentary Youth Sitting Week in July, where their Bills will be debated in both the NSW Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly chambers, thanks to support from the Parliament of NSW.
“For 25 years, NSW Parliament has been proud to support the Y NSW Youth Parliament program and to welcome young people into our chambers to experience democracy in action,” Chief Executive of NSW Parliament, Mark Webb said. “Youth Parliament empowers students to debate real issues, build confidence and engage meaningfullywith our democratic system, and we are honoured to have supported this important program for a quarter of a century.”
The Y NSW is proud to receive support from Scape by The Living Company, as the official accommodation partner for Youth Parliament. Through this partnership, Scape will help to ensure young people can participate fully and equitably in the program.
“Young people have powerful ideas about the future of our society, and programs like the Y NSW’s Youth Parliament create the space for those ideas to be heard,” said Student Living CEO & Living Company BTR, Anouk Darling. “By encouraging leadership, collaboration and participation, the program is helping to develop the next generation of changemakers.”
As Youth Parliament marks a quarter century of impact, The Y NSW is celebrating more than a milestone; it is recognising a legacy of youth leadership, civic participation, and meaningful change. Young people in Youth Parliament have been at the forefront of social and policy debates, driving early conversations on paid parental leave, water sustainability, and LGBTQIA+ rights well before they entered the mainstream. Even when not enacted directly, Youth Parliament Bills have played a powerful role in shaping public discussion and inspiring long-term change.
“Being involved in Youth Parliament over the past years has been incredibly rewarding. In that time, I have seen firsthand the passion, leadership, and growth of so many remarkable young people,” said Faith Moavenzadeh, Youth & Child Voice Manager, the Y NSW. “Watching them develop their confidence, skills, and commitment to creating change has reinforced just how powerful this program is. Youth Parliament continues to be a space where young voices are valued, strengthened, and empowered to shape the future of their communities.”
The Y NSW Youth Parliament promotes equal access to political participation for all. In particular, it aims to relieve social and civic disadvantage among young Australians who face barriers from participating meaningfully in civic or democratic life, including those from low-income, regional, or culturally diverse backgrounds.
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