Nearly 90 students aged 15 to 18 from across NSW are taking part in the YMCA’s flagship youth leadership program for Youth Parliament Sitting Week 2025.
From 14 to 17 July, the Legislative Assembly is hosting students from 73 electorates, including 33 per cent from regional and rural areas, as they step into the shoes of Members of Parliament to present Youth Bills on the issues that they are particularly passionate about.
Now in its 24th year, Youth Parliament provides young people the opportunity to take on the role of elected representatives, re-enacting the full parliamentary process. Participants spend months working in committees to research, write, draft and debate bills to ultimately vote on youth-led legislation.
Across four days in Parliament, Youth Bills are being debated on the floor, with sessions chaired by current NSW Members of Parliament (MPs). Topics span key areas like education, mental health, women’s and Aboriginal affairs, disability inclusion, sustainability and youth justice, addressing the issues that matter most to young people.
This year these issues for the Y NSW Youth Parliament include:
- improving outcomes for young people in the criminal justice system
- increasing women’s representation in medical research
- cultural representation and empowerment for First Nation’s young people
- increasing education and career pathways
- workforce development particularly in regional areas
- redefining mental health for a community-based approach.
“Youth Parliament offers young people the opportunity to be heard on the issues that matter in their lives and communities,” said Mr Rob Kennaugh, CEO of the Y NSW.
“This year’s participants represent a diverse and passionate generation that’s politically engaged, community-minded and ready to lead. Their experience reflects the diversity of NSW, and their contributions deserve serious attention,” he said.
Among the 2025 cohort is Alyssa, 15, a proud Kamilaroi woman from Currabubula who is on the Aboriginal Affairs Committee.
“Our cultural representation and empowerment scheme is about real change for First Nations youth – making sure their voices are heard, and their future are supported,” she said.
Youth Parliament participants start with leadership and public speaking training at Y NSW’s Camp Yarramundi. Over several months, they research issues, attend advocacy and parliamentary workshops, and consult community leaders to develop their Youth Bills.
Supported by a volunteer alumni taskforce, the program is a leading development opportunity for young Australians.
Eliza, 18, from Sydney, serves as Deputy Premier and sits on the Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Committee. “Youth Parliament has boosted my confidence and given me a real platform to advocate for education reform and disability inclusion,” she said.
Ethan, 17, from Wollongong, is a leading member of the Economic Sustainability Committee. “Coming from a disadvantaged background, I know how important it is to push for essentials like food, housing and healthcare to be accessible for everyone,” he said.
Youth Governor Lian Sequeira, 19, from the NSW Central Coast, said Youth Parliament has opened doors she never knew existed.
“One of the most powerful things about Youth Parliament is realising that everyone, no matter where they come from, is driven by a desire to create positive change in their community. I never imagined myself in Parliament, but I’ve always been passionate about helping people. Through a chance meeting with my local MP, Liesl Tesch, I discovered Youth Parliament and decided to give it a go,” she explained.
“The program brings together young people from all walks of life, regional and metropolitan areas, First Nations communities and recent migrants. We learn from each other and speak up on the issues that matter. It’s helped me find my voice, and now I want to help others feel heard too,” Youth Governor Lian Sequeira said.
Reflecting the priorities shared by Youth Governors across the country, this year’s Matter of Public Importance (MPI) addresses a pressing national issue of women’s healthcare. Youth Parliamentarians nationwide debated this issue in a special session on 14 July. Key issues included free access to period products, diagnostic delays, gender bias in treatment, and reproductive health education.
Former Youth Parliamentarians have gone on to become Members of Parliament in the NSW Parliament and returned to the Y NSW Youth Parliament program as guests to attend events and chair debates.
“Trailblazers like Hamani Tanginoa, a young, LGBTQIA+, Wiradjuri, Goreng Goreng and Tongan man made history at the Y as the first Aboriginal Youth Premier for NSW at 17 years of age at Youth Parliament,” Y NSW CEO Rob Kennaugh said.
“The 2024 Youth Parliament program delivered meaningful outcomes, with 81 per cent of participants reporting an increased understanding of the parliamentary process. All participants also said they felt empowered to make a difference in their communities. Additionally, 99 per cent reported feeling safe, included and a strong sense of belonging, while the same number felt they had a platform to be respected and heard as young people.
“These statistics show just how powerful this program is in shaping confident, informed and connected young leaders,” he said.
