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Youth Grants and awards | February 14, 2019

Apply Now For Youth Parliament

Young residents wishing to influence future Victorian law, policies, programs and services have the opportunity to do so as part of the YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP said applications for the 2019 program were now open to interested young people aged between 16 and 25.

“The YMCA Youth Parliament Program provides young people with an insight into Parliament and gives participants the opportunity to engage with the highest levels of government and in the parliamentary process,” Ms Kealy said.

“It is a great opportunity to hear what the young people of today consider are major issues of concern. It is also an opportunity for them to put forward their own ideas for possible solutions to those issues,” she said.

Parliament of Victoria has supported the YMCA program since 1987, with youth ‘parliamentarians’ from across the state gathering in Parliament House to debate ‘Bills’ dealing with issues of interest and importance to them.

The 2019 program involves young parliamentarians attending an intensive training camp in May where they will develop teamwork, public speaking and leadership skills to equip them for their parliamentary experience.

Teams of young parliamentarians will then draft, debate and vote on Bills during a three-day sitting at the Victorian Parliament in July.

“Youth Parliament gives young Victorians the opportunity to shape policy and develops the debating, public speaking and team building skills of our future leaders,” Ms Kealy said.

“I encourage any young people with an interest in politics to apply for the program.”

For more information on how to apply, visit vicyouth.ymca.org.au/programs/youth-parliament.html.

Applications close on Thursday, 7 March 2019.