Next week, the chambers of the NSW Parliament will fill with energy, passion and the leadership of young Australians who are shaping the future of their state. 89 motivated young people aged 15 to 18 from across NSW will come together as they take part in the YMCA’s flagship youth leadership program, for Youth Parliament Sitting Week 2025.
From 14 to 17 July, the Legislative Assembly will host students from 73 electorates, including 33% from regional and rural areas, as they step into the shoes of Members of Parliament to present Youth Bills on the issues that they are particularly passionate about.
Now in its 24th year, Youth Parliament provides young people the opportunity to take on the role of elected representatives, re-enacting the full parliamentary process. Participants spend months working in committees to research, write, draft and debate bills to ultimately vote on youth-led legislation.
Across four days in Parliament, Youth Bills will be debated on the floor, with sessions chaired by current NSW Members of Parliament (MPs). Topics span key areas like education, mental health, women’s and aboriginal affairs, disability inclusion, sustainability and youth justice addressing the issues that matter most to young people.
This year these issues for the Y NSW Youth Parliament include:
- improving outcomes for young people in the criminal justice system
- increasing women's representation in medical research
- cultural representation and empowerment for First Nation's young people
- increasing education and career pathways
- workforce development particularly in regional areas
- redefining mental health for a community-based approach.
“Youth Parliament offers young people the opportunity to be heard on the issues that matter in their lives and communities,” said Rob Kennaugh, CEO of the Y NSW.
“This year’s participants represent a diverse and passionate generation that’s politically engaged, community-minded and ready to lead. Their experience reflects the diversity of NSW, and their contributions deserve serious attention,” added Mr Kennaugh.
Among the 2025 cohort is Alyssa, 15, a proud Kamilaroi woman from Currabubula who is on the Aboriginal Affairs Committee.
“Our cultural representation and empowerment scheme is about real change for First Nations youth – making sure their voices are heard, and their future are supported,” she said.
Youth Parliament participants start with leadership and public speaking training at Y NSW’s Camp Yarramundi. Over several months, they research issues, attend advocacy and parliamentary workshops, and consult community leaders to develop their Youth Bills. Supported by a volunteer alumni taskforce, the program is a leading development opportunity for young Australians.
Eliza, 18, from Sydney, who serves as Deputy Premier and sits on the Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Committee states, “Youth Parliament has boosted my confidence and given me a real platform to advocate for education reform and disability inclusion.”
Ethan, 17, from Wollongong, is a leading member of the Economic Sustainability Committee, “Coming from a disadvantaged background, I know how important it is to push for essentials like food, housing and healthcare to be accessible for everyone,” he said.
Youth Governor Lian Sequeira, 19, from the NSW Central Coast, said Youth Parliament has opened doors she never knew existed.
“One of the most powerful things about Youth Parliament is realising that everyone, no matter where they come from, is driven by a desire to create positive change in their community. I never imagined myself in Parliament, but I’ve always been passionate about helping people. Through a chance meeting with my local MP, Liesl Tesch, I discovered Youth Parliament and decided to give it a go,” she explained.
“The program brings together young people from all walks of life, regional and metropolitan areas, First Nations communities and recent migrants. We learn from each other and speak up on the issues that matter. It’s helped me find my voice, and now I want to help others feel heard too,” concluded Youth Governor, Lian Sequeira.
Reflecting the priorities shared by Youth Governors across the country, this year’s Matter of Public Importance (MPI) addresses a pressing national issue of women's healthcare. Youth Parliamentarians nationwide will debate this issue in a special session on 14 July. Key issues include free access to period products, diagnostic delays, gender bias in treatment, and reproductive health education.
Former Youth Parliamentarians have gone on to become Members of Parliament in the NSW Parliament and returned to the Y NSW Youth Parliament program as guests to attend events and chair debates.
“Trailblazers like Hamani Tanginoa, a young, LGBTQIA+, Wiradjuri, Goreng Goreng and Tongan man made history at the Y as the first Aboriginal Youth Premier for NSW at 17 years of age at Youth Parliament,” explained the Y NSW CEO Rob Kennaugh.
“The 2024 Youth Parliament program delivered meaningful outcomes, with 81 percent of participants reporting an increased understanding of the parliamentary process. All participants also said they felt empowered to make a difference in their communities. Additionally, 99 percent reported feeling safe, included and a strong sense of belonging, while the same number felt they had a platform to be respected and heard as young people.
“These statistics show just how powerful this program is in shaping confident, informed and connected young leaders,” he concluded.
Sitting Week begins with a formal Opening Ceremony in the Legislative Council Chamber on Monday 14 July at 9:45AM, with speeches from Youth Governor Lian Sequeira, NSW Government and Opposition Leaders and members of the judiciary and Y NSW board.
Key Facts:
About the Y NSW Youth Parliament 2025 Cohort:
The 2025 participants represent the following electorates across NSW this year:
|
Albury |
Charlestown |
Keira |
Orange |
Swansea |
|
Auburn |
Clarence |
Kellyville |
Oxley |
Sydney |
|
Badgerys Creek |
Coffs Harbour |
Lake Macquarie |
Parramatta |
Tamworth |
|
Ballina |
Coogee |
Leppington |
Penrith |
Vaucluse |
|
Balmain |
Cronulla |
Lismore |
Pittwater |
Wagga Wagga |
|
Bega |
Drummoyne |
Liverpool |
Port Macquarie |
Wahroonga |
|
Blacktown |
East Hills |
Londonderry |
Port Stephens |
Wakehurst |
|
Blue Mountains |
Epping |
Macquarie Fields |
Prospect |
Wallsend |
|
Cabramatta |
Fairfield |
Manly |
Riverstone |
Willoughby |
|
Camden |
Gosford |
Maroubra |
Rockdale |
Winston Hills |
|
Campbelltown |
Hawkesbury |
Miranda |
Shellharbour |
Wollondilly |
|
Canterbury |
Heathcote |
Newcastle |
South Coast |
Wollongong |
|
Castle Hill |
Holsworthy |
North Shore |
Strathfield |
Wyong |
|
Cessnock |
Hornsby |
Northern Tablelands |
Summer Hill |
Read more on: https://bit.ly/4lRyEJY
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