Empowering Young Voices to be heard today
The Y NSW Youth Parliament provides high school students (Years 10-12) with a powerful, non-partisan platform to have their voices heard through legislative debate and decision making.
Why Youth Parliament Matters
For Young People
Youth Parliament is more than a civic program – it’s a transformative leadership journey. Participants gain confidence in public speaking, master parliamentary debate, write legislative bills on issues they care about, and form lifelong connections with peers across NSW.
For New South Wales
Every youth bill created during the program represents an opportunity to debate and influence decision making in NSW. This is an essential program to ensure the youth voice has an impactful platform for change in this state.
Program Structure & Key Dates
Electorate Representation & Training
- Selected participants represent their local state electorate or act as Legislative Council members.
- Virtual training sessions cover public speaking, bill drafting, and policy creation.
Committee Groups and Leadership
- Participants collaborate in committee groups including Education, Environment, Mental Health and Justice, to write legislation.
Youth Parliament Sitting Week and Residential Camp
- A week-long residential program where Youth MPs sit in the chambers of NSW Parliament House, debate their bills, and vote on legislation under parliamentary rules.
Key Dates
Invest in Youth Leadership
To create a truly representative parliament, background or financial status should never be a barrier to participation. Through Access and Equity Scholarship Funds and donations, young people from regional, remote and low income backgrounds are able to attend this program free of charge.
Help a Young Person Have a Voice
Equip a young person with the tools and materials they need to engage confidently in Youth Parliament.
Support a Delegate Throughout Parliament Week
Help to cover accommodation, meals and activities during the program’s flagship parliamentary experience.
Change a Life Through Youth Parliament
Sponsor a participant’s complete journey through the Youth Parliament program.
Get Involved
High School Students (Years 10–12)
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Applications open annually for students across all 93 NSW state electorates.
Apply for Youth ParliamentAlumni & Young Adults (Ages 18–25)
Join our Youth Taskforce to mentor high school participants, facilitate parliamentary sessions, and lead event operations.
Join the Youth TaskforceResources for Future Youth Parliamentary Leaders
Previous Youth Bills
Every year, Youth Bills are developed during Youth Parliament, from young people across the state who debate issues that matter to them and the communities they represent.
View Youth BillsTaskforce Information
Want to be a Taskforce Member? The program design and delivery is supported by a group of volunteers aged 18 years and older – this is our Volunteer Taskforce (Taskies).
Find out more & applyYouth Parliament FAQs
Get answers to the most common questions about Youth Parliament – who can participate, how it works, the application process, nominations, and more.
View FAQsThank You to Our Partners
