What is YP?
How often does it run?
Who runs it?
How long does it last for?
What does it cost?
What do Youth Parliamentarians talk about?
What has been discussed in the past?
What happens to legislation at the end of the program?
When did YP start?
What is the objective of the program?
I'd like to participate but I don't know enough. What should I do?
Can I attend the program to watch?
How do I get involved?
What is the taskforce?
What is a bill?
Where do participants stay during the program?
Why should I participate?
What is YP?
Youth Parliament is a program which brings together young people for a week each year to debate political issues and legislation. Legislation is presented to the Government at the end of the program.
How often does it run?
YP is an annual event.
Who runs it?
The Youth Parliament Taskforce - a group of dedicated young people - volunteer their time and skills to make the program happen, in collaboration with the ACT YMCA and the ACT and Federal Governments.
How long does it last for?
The residental program runs for about a week with a few months of online preparation beforehand for participants.
What does it cost?
As yet the cost of the program to participants is unknown, as we're awaiting information from potential sponsors. However, the goal is to keep fees below AU$300. This covers accommodation, transport, a t-shirt and meals. In the past many participants have done some fund-raising to get the required funds, and in some special cases the school has funded them. Team sponsorship is also a possibility. The more creative the participants are in finding ways to fundraise, the less money comes out of their own pocket, and as such we strongly encourage individuals and teams to fundraise.
What do Youth Parliamentarians talk about?
Each year's Youth Parliament will cover many areas of interest to young people in our state. Committees will be formed to recommend Bills to the Youth Parliament, covering issues from any Territory or Federal Government portfolio.
What has been discussed in the past?
Previous Bills have covered a huge range of issues, including daylight savings, sexual health, housing affordability, environmental responsibility, water provision, education, juvenile justice, entertainment precinct curfews, youth-based decision making, learner driver laws, carbon taxation, gay marriage, criminal justice, and many many more.
What happens to the Bills when the program finishes?
On completion of the program all Bills are presented to the Chief Minister of the ACT, the Governor-General of Australia, and Members of the Federal and Territory Governments and Oppostions for their review and consideration.
When did YP start?
The Youth Parliament Program has been running around Australia since 1942, and in the ACT infrequently since 1980.
What is the objective of the program?
The Youth Parliament Program aims to provide a forum for young people to debate issues important to them, providing the starting point for bringing about positive social change.
I'd like to participate, but I dont think I know enough. What should I do?
There is no need to worry, all training required will be provided in the lead-up to, and during the Program. You definitely don't have to have a degree in Politics to participate, you just need to be passionate about youth issues and willing to share your opinions.
Is it possible to watch the proceedings?
Yes. All parliamentary debate is open to the public, and you can come and watch a participant debate, whether they are your child, student or friend. Details about this year's sitting schedule can be found on our website in the weeks leading up to the parliamentary session, or e-mail JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING to organise entry into the Speakers' Gallery.
How can I get involved?
You can apply to be a Youth Parliamentarian if you are aged between 15-25. You can register and apply for a position from this website, or contact a member of the Taskforce if you would like more information. Alternatively, if you're in highschool your school will receive invitations to send students to participate early in the year.
What is the Taskforce?
YP is organised by a group of volunteers known as the Taskforce. All have participated in the program, and are experienced in Parliamentary procedure, training, camp organisation and supervision of large groups. The Taskforce is based in Canberra, but will be travelling throughout the ACT and surrounding rural NSW.
What is a bill?
A bill is a proposed piece of legislation that must be passed by Parliament before it can become an Act (and therefore a law). Over the history of the Youth Parliament, many bills have been debated on a wide variety of topics. Some of these include: euthanasia, decriminalisation of marijuana, regular compulsory driver re-testing, the extension of shop trading hours, abortion, parliamentary reform, smoking in public places, hemp for paper, home detention, free public transport, the introduction of a heroin trial program, gun law reform, decriminalising prostitution, organ donor-ship...and many more.
Where do the participants stay during Youth Parliament?
During the week of Youth Parliament, participants stay in hostel style accommodation. The camp program consists of a mix of parliamentary related training and recreational activities, some of which involve excursions within the Canberra area.
Participants also enjoy a 'mocktail' party with members of Parliament, along with a Governor's reception and a variety of other functions to allow contact with politicians and other government officials in a variety of settings.
Why should I participate?
Are you passionate about any issues? YP gives you the opportunity to advise Australian politicians & decision-makers on matters affecting young people.
Do you get terrified when you have to make a speech? Youth Parliament is a great opportunity for you to develop your public speaking & debating skills – you don’t have to speak if you don’t want to, but after participating in Youth Parliament you will be more confident when speaking in front of groups.
Do you want to learn more about government & politics? You will be able to learn first-hand how Government & the Parliament operate.
Do you want to meet new people? You will get the chance meet at least fifty other young people – the program includes a great Camp & you can form friendships that could last for years.