Youth Parliament is a program empowering young people aged 15 to 25 to actively participate in shaping their community by providing a platform for participants to express their views, raise concerns and propose solutions to those with the power to make a change.
Participants act as ‘youth members’, representing a State Electorate and debate bills based on issues that matter most to WA’s youth. These bills are presented to the Governor, Premier, and Leader of the Opposition for reflection and consideration.
Running since 1995, Youth Parliament also provides opportunity for personal development, including leadership skills, public speaking, and building lifelong friendships.
Participants collaborate in committees to draft bills and attend a week-long residential camp where legislation and other motions are debated in the actual State Parliament. Successfully passed bills are handed to the State Government and Opposition for consideration.
Who can apply?
- Young people aged 15 to 25
- Living in Western Australia
- Passionate about issues and representing your community
How does it work?
Participants are selected and allocated:
- A State Electorate – usually reflecting where they live
- A Committee – based on an issue chosen during application; this is your bill-writing group
- A Party – Government, or Opposition; (non-partisan, for learning parliamentary processes)
What is the commitment?
- Three training days
- Weekly online meetings
- A residential camp usually held in July
Why join?
Supported by the Department of Communities and delivered by The Y WA, Youth Parliament offers hands-on experience in:
- Leadership
- Public speaking
- Drafting legislation
- Teamwork and collaboration
Youth Parliament 2025 highlights
From 6–10 July 2025, 59 Youth Parliamentarians debated eight bills, including:
- Western Australian Regional Ambulance Service Bill 2025
- Future Skills and Education Advancement Bill 2025
- Green Energy Transition Bill 2025
- Family and Domestic Violence Protection and Enforcement Bill 2025
- Primary Producer Resilience and Recovery Insurance Scheme Bill 2025
- Safer Transport Bill 2025
- Equity, Inclusion, Education, and Increasing Opportunities Bill 2025
- Health Services in Justice (Safe Havens WA) Bill 2025
Applications close Thursday 19 February 2026. For more information, please visit the Y WA's Youth Parliament program website.
Announcements
Western Australian young people invited to take seat in Parliament
Thirty years of young voices shaping WA’s future
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