FIVE young eastern suburbs representatives have been selected to take part in the Y WA’s 2026 youth parliament program joining 59 young people from across the state.

Hand-picked through a competitive application process the cohort reflects a diverse cross-section of young Western Australians.

Liam Cruzana from Forrestfield is representing the Forrestfield electorate as a youth parliamentarian and sitting on the jobs, trade and commerce committee.

Mr Cruzana said he believed it was important for young people to be part of a larger platform to voice their concerns.

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

“Fortunately, through the Y WA youth parliament program I am being given the opportunity to do this.”

He said he was particularly interested in the treasury as economics was his favourite subject.

“I believe many of the issues facing me and my peers are caused by factors relating to the economy.

“Additionally, I am interested in foreign relations as I believe one of the best ways to get stronger as a nation is by reaching out and fostering healthy diplomatic relations.”

Mr Cruzana said participating in the program would allow him to collaborate with other youth members to push for changes that are important to their generation.

“I also hope to inspire my peers and younger people to become more engaged in politics.”

He said it was important for young people to have a voice and particularly in politics.

“As people living in this state and country it is one of our main responsibilities to be informed and educated about our politics and to raise concerns about what we think is important in our community,” he said.

“Through the Y WA youth parliament program I believe it allows us to be heard by the state government.”

The other eastern suburbs youth parliament representatives include Ashton Barton from Kalamunda, Merryn Hodgson from Brigadoon, Qi Shen Goh from Midvale and Yusr Kadhem from Ballajura.