APPLICATIONS are now open for the Y WA’s (formerly YMCA) Youth Parliament, with young people from across WA encouraged to take part in one of the state’s leading youth leadership and civic engagement programs.

Now in its 31st year, the non-partisan Youth Parliament program empowers young people to have a voice in Parliament and their local communities, while providing a unique opportunity to engage directly with the democratic process.

It also helps participants to develop leadership, advocacy and public speaking skills.

The four-month program is open to young people aged 15 to 25 from Perth metropolitan and regional Western Australia.

Participants are selected to represent electorates across the state with youth members coming together to identify and debate issues impacting young West Australians.

By doing so, they build meaningful connections and develop skills to create real social change.

Y WA Chief Executive Officer Dr Tim McDonald said participants gained a hands-on insight into the Australian political system by researching key issues, drafting youth-focused legislation, and debating bills in a parliamentary setting.

“Young West Australians have powerful ideas and perspectives,” Dr McDonald said.

“This program creates a space for them to learn, connect and lead and to be taken seriously in decision-making processes.

“Throughout the program, participants act as youth members with each representing a Western Australian electorate.”

The program culminates in July 2026, when youth members attend Parliament House and participate in a formal parliamentary debate in the chamber.

Following the sittings, all bills are presented to members of the state government and opposition, as well as the Governor of Western Australia, the Lord Mayor of Perth and the WA Department for Communities.

Over the past three decades, Youth Parliament has demonstrated its impact, with several youth-developed bills later reflected in state legislation.

Previous Youth Parliament bills have addressed issues including coercive control, environmental sustainability, housing affordability, health access, education, and youth justice, often years before similar reforms were introduced by government.

The Y WA Youth Parliament welcomes applications from young people of all genders, abilities, cultures, religions and sexual orientations.

Applications for the 2026 Y WA Youth Parliament close on February 19, 2026.

To apply or find out more, visit https://forms.
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