Young people can have their say on important issues by joining next year’s YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament.
Applications for the 2025 program are now open, with 120 spots available for Victorians aged between 16 and 25.
The state government is investing more than $165,000 to support the youth parliament, which gives participants the opportunity to draft, debate, and vote on bills in a three-day intensive sitting held in chambers of the Victorian Parliament.
Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman said that young people could “use their voices to influence change” by being involved.
“Our support for the Youth Parliament is one of the ways we’re backing young people in Victoria to lead, grow, and reach their full potential,” she said.
Bills that pass in the youth parliament are presented to the government for consideration – they have already helped shape more than 30 Victorian laws, including a new recycling scheme, mandatory wearing of bike helmets, and banning the sale of soft drinks in government schools.
The program also includes the YMCA Victoria Youth Press Gallery, which provides young people interested in journalism with an opportunity to develop skills in journalism, photography, videography and social media.
Applications are open until 13 October and the program will take place in July next year.
Apply: vicyouth.ymca.org.au/learning-and-leadership.
