FIVE youth parliamentarians from Midland and the Perth Hills have completed the Y WA’s 2026 youth parliament program culminating in a week of debate and law-making inside Parliament House.

They were among 59 young people from across WA representing each of the state’s 59 electorates to take part in this year’s program.

The participants recently gathered for youth parliament sitting week where they presented and debated youth-led legislation in the legislative assembly chamber, experiencing firsthand the processes that shape WA’s laws and policies.

The week marked the culmination of four months of leadership development, policy research and civic engagement.

Throughout the program, participants undertook extensive training in public speaking, parliamentary procedure and leadership while working collaboratively to develop legislation on issues affecting young people and communities across the state.

Ashton Barton, who represented Kalamunda on the community and disability services committee, said he was excited to be involved as he realised there were so many barriers for young people with disabilities and he wanted to help change that.

“I hope to be better at advocating for people with disabilities and enact change in the government and with communities,” Mr Barton said.

Liam Cruzana, who represented Forrestfield on the jobs, trade and commerce committee, said he was particularly interested in Treasury and foreign relations.

“I believe young people such as myself should have a larger platform to voice our concerns, particularly for those who may not have the opportunity to do so.

“I am also passionate about politics and hope to use this opportunity to learn more about the process in making legislation.”

Merryn Hodgson from Brigadoon who represented Swan Hills on the community and disability services committee, said the Y WA youth parliament was a truly amazing place to learn more about the community.

“I have an interest in the police and justice area of government, specifically on improving the files within the system,” Ms Hodgson said.

“I also have an interest in making our world more accessible for people with disabilities.”

Yusr Kadhem from Ballajura who represented West Swan on the housing and urban development committee, said she was particularly interested in justice and youth affairs.

“I am deeply passionate about advocacy and ensuring that young people - particularly as a young Muslim woman - feel seen, heard and represented,” Ms Kadhem said.

“Growing up in a multicultural community I have seen how important it is for diverse voices to be included in conversations that shape our society and this program provides a platform to do exactly that.”

Qi Shen Goh from Midvale who represented Midland on the jobs, trade and commerce committee, said he was particularly interested in these areas because they directly influenced the opportunities available to young people.

“Through the jobs, trade and commerce committee, I contributed to the state battery industry development bill, with a focus on workforce development, training and international workforce provisions,” Mr Goh said.

During sitting week participants took on the roles of government and opposition members, ministers, speaker and premier, debating legislation across a range of state government portfolios and advocating for issues they believe will create positive change for Western Australians.

Following the program, all bills debated by the youth parliament are formally presented to government and opposition members, the Governor of Western Australia, the Lord Mayor of Perth and the Department of Communities for their consideration.