The voices of young leaders have never been louder.
The 2025 Youth Parliament program brought together passionate young people from across NSW to debate, discuss, and drive change on the issues that matter most to them.
In our newly released highlight video, you’ll see participants stepping into the shoes of MPs—debating key topics, presenting well-considered Youth Bills, and demonstrating the poise, passion, and determination that define the program. The footage captures the energy and ambition of Youth Parliament, showing how young people can influence policy and spark meaningful community conversations.
Over the course of the program, participants developed policy proposals, sharpened their public speaking skills, and built lifelong connections. These experiences are at the heart of Youth Parliament’s mission: to empower young voices and equip them with the skills to lead.
Judge Leigh Johns OAM, whose journey began in Victoria’s inaugural Youth Parliament, shares how the program shaped his path. From serving as Bendigo’s Youth Premier in 1987 to becoming a respected federal judge and board member of both Y NSW and Y Australia, Judge Johns credits Youth Parliament with cultivating the leadership, communication, and confidence that have defined his career. “[Youth Parliament] taught me skills that I haven’t been taught anywhere else,” he says.
Through spirited debates, committee work, and moments of thoughtful negotiation, Youth Parliament continues to nurture essential civic skills—public speaking, critical thinking, and democratic engagement—while inspiring the next generation of change-makers.
