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YOUNG VOICES. REAL IMPACT. BIG IDEAS. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE Y NSW'S 2026 YOUTH PARLIAMENT

the Y NSW

The Y NSW is calling for passionate young people from across New South Wales to apply for the 2026 Youth Parliament program, now open to students in Years 10 to 12 across NSW.

As NSW’s premier youth leadership program operating for over 20 years by the Y NSW (formerly YMCA), Youth Parliament offers young people the opportunity to debate in NSW Parliament, create Youth Bills on issues for change, and have their voices and recommendations heard by Members of Parliament.

 

Young people in Years 10, 11 and 12 (or equivalent age) in all NSW state electorates are invited to apply. The Youth Parliament program is designed to be safe and inclusive for all young people, and the Y NSW encourages applications that would contribute to a diverse and representative cohort.

 

Youth Parliamentarians receive specialised training through a series of camps and online workshops, parliamentary education and experience. Participants also have the opportunity for community engagement and advocacy, which is all designed to nurture participants in developing their skills to create social impact and positive change.

 

The Y NSW CEO Rob Kennaugh commented that the Youth Parliament program provides an important platform to ensure young people’s voices are heard.

 

“We are calling on all thought leaders, change-makers and inspired young people to apply for the 2026 Youth Parliament program so we can continue to provide a stage for their voices to be heard and their skills developed to lead our local communities,” said Mr Kennaugh.

 

“Each year I am amazed by the immense passion, intelligence and insight participants bring to Youth Parliament as they speak on issues that are important to them.”

 

“Young people are the focus of everything we do at the Y NSW, so it’s incredibly exciting watching participants flourish as they are empowered to engage with civic leadership, policy development and democratic parliamentary debate,” he added.

Youth Parliament promotes equal access to political participation for all. In particular, it aims to address social exclusion, marginalisation, or disadvantage that prevent young people from participating meaningfully in civic or democratic life.  It aims to relieve social and civic disadvantage among young Australians who face barriers to participation in public life, including those from low-income, regional or culturally diverse backgrounds.

The program provides practical support, education and mentoring to help young people, including those experiencing social exclusion or disadvantage, build confidence, skills and access pathways to civic and community engagement.

Next year’s program is set to be the biggest yet, with debates to be held in the Legislative Council chambers. This expands from the existing Legislative Assembly chamber. Youth Parliament gives young people the opportunity to develop leadership and advocacy skills, build confidence and use their voice on issues that matter to them.

In 2025, participants focused on key topics such as women’s health, improving medical research and diagnostics for women, environmental responsibility, educational access for young people living with disability, and reform within the youth justice system.

In the past ten years, approximately 1,500 young people have participated in the program with 92 per cent of participants surveyed this year reporting higher self-confidence as a result of participating in Youth Parliament. Testament to the value of the program, former Youth Parliamentarians have gone on to become Members of Parliament and return to the program as guests and mentors.

 

Lian Sequeira, aged 19, was the Youth Governor of the 2025 Youth Parliament program and shared how impactful her experience was.

“Youth Parliament is one of a kind. You might start unsure of what you’ve signed up for, but you’ll soon find a real sense of belonging. You learn not only how to advocate for others but also for yourself. I discovered new passions, built lifelong friendships and found my purpose. I can’t recommend it enough.”

“The program has given me the opportunity and space to explore and discover new passions, meet like-minded individuals and newfound friends from across the state, and inspired me to work towards my purpose. As both a 2024 participant, a 2025 Taskforce Volunteer and Youth Governor, I have found so much value within the program, and I highly encourage everyone to apply for YP 2026!”

After the formal program, participants met directly with Ministers and senior government leaders to discuss their bill proposals. These roundtables provide a rare opportunity for young people to share their ideas with real decision makers.

Graduates of Youth Parliament join a thriving network of more than 1000 alumni now working across government, law, media, higher education, local councils and community organisations.

To apply to take part in the 2026 Youth Parliament, eligible young people should visit ymcansw.org.au/youth-parliament and submit their application before 4 January 2026. School teachers and Members of Parliament can also nominate a young person. To get involved in Youth Parliament as a volunteer or partner, please contact the team at [email protected].

About us:

About the Y NSW:

The Y NSW is a vibrant, for-purpose organisation delivering cause-driven programs and valuable community services that help strengthen young people’s lives, their families, and the communities in which they live. The Y is part of the largest youth organisations in the world, the YMCA, which reaches across 120 countries.

 

About Youth Parliament

Youth Parliament is the Y NSW’s flagship youth leadership and engagement program, now running for over 20 years. It gives high school students the opportunity to learn about civic leadership, parliamentary debate and policy development, while gaining the confidence and skills to advocate for their communities.

The program is open to students from all 93 NSW electorates and promotes equal access to political participation. It especially welcomes young people who may face barriers to civic engagement, including those from low-income, regional or culturally diverse backgrounds.

Youth Parliament provides hands-on education, mentoring and support to help participants build leadership skills, confidence and pathways into civic and community life.

Contact details:

Genevieve Marshall, Brilliant Logic | M 0411 666 789 | E [email protected]