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Youth Parliament FAQs

Past Bills And Reports

Check out some of the Bills and reports that have resulted from Youth Parliament in previous years.

Past Bills and Reports


Youth Parliamentarian FAQs

What will I do as a Youth Parliamentarian?

Click on the infographic to find out more about the key steps of Youth Parliament; these include:
  1. Application and selection
  2. Training camp
  3. Residential camp
  4. Presentation of your Youth Bill
  5. Becoming a YP Alumni

Discover more in our Youth Parliament Information Pack.

Think big, have fun and go far!

Apply for #YP2025 today!

 

I have applied to be a participant, when will I know if I have been successful in my application?

Applications close on Thursday 23 January 2025. All applicants will be notified by Monday 3 February 2025 via email regardless of the outcome of their application. Please make sure to check your spam/junk folder just in case. 

What happens if my application for YP is unsuccessful?

Please do not be discouraged if your application for YP is unsuccessful. You will be placed on a waiting list in case a Youth Parliamentarian withdraws from their position in the program.

Applicants on our waitlist will be contacted if an appropriate place becomes available.

What is the program fee for participants?

The participant program fee is $1400.

What does the cost cover?

  • Three-day training camp in April including accommodation, food and beverages, recreational activities and workshops by industry experts on parliamentary processes and leadership skills.
  • Online group sessions in committees working on youth bills supported by Taskforce and mentors.
  • Mentorship program with an industry professional, working closely with their committee.
  • Potential networking opportunities with MPs, industry professionals and Y Staff where possible.
  • Roundtable discussions with MPs and other relevant stakeholders for committees to share youth bills and ideas where possible.
  • Access to Youth Voice Network newsletter.
  • Joining Youth Parliament Alumni with members across 20 years of YP.   
  • Opportunity to return as a Volunteer Taskforce member after one year out of the program.

Residential camp includes;

  • Includes six days of camp and four days at Parliament House
  • Six days of accommodation in July, transport to and from Parliament House, food and beverages.
    personal and professional development workshops and recreational activities.
  • Four days of program at Parliament House of NSW, inclusive of Opening and Closing ceremonies, mock debates and opportunities to meet MPs where possible

 

Are there sponsorships to cover the program cost?

First Nations scholarships 

We are proud to offer a select number of First Nations scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Please indicate in your application if you would like to be considered for one of these scholarships. 

Financial barriers 

If the cost of Youth Parliament is a barrier for you to participate in the program, please indicate this in your application, and we will endeavour to support you to raise the funds. Many young people seek support to raise funds from their community which includes their school, local MP, rotary clubs and other community organisations. 

If you would like to have a confidential conversation about the Youth Parliament fee, please contact the Youth Parliament Team at youthparliament@ymcansw.org.au

What kind of support is available at the camps?

The Y NSW Youth and Community team will be at camp as dedicated Wellbeing Officers – trained youth workers – they will be providing supervision and support at all times at camps.

  • The YP Taskforce will support their learning and participation in the program.
  • Disability Inclusion officer will work closely with young people who have access and support needs.
  • First Aid and Mental Health First Aid Officers will be present at all times during camp.

I am a successful applicant, do both camps (in the April and July school holidays) have mandatory attendance?

Yes, both camps have mandatory attendance. If you cannot attend in person and have not communicated this to the Youth Parliament Program Coordinator before camp begins, you may be removed from the program.

Participants must remain on location for Training and Residential Camp at all times. Passouts are not permitted unless there's a medical or family emergency.

I am a successful applicant, but I need to withdraw from my position in the program. How do I do this?

We understand that commitments can change. Therefore, a cooling-off period enables you to withdraw your position as a participant, which is before Monday, 31st March 2025.

If you cancel after this period, you will not be eligible to receive a refund. 

Nominating a Young Person FAQ

I've heard about nominating a young person for Youth Parliament, what's it all about?

The Y’s influential Youth Parliament program educates NSW’s young people about the parliamentary process, enabling them to actively engage in public policy by creating and debating bills. Every participant’s potential to lead, learn and connect is nurtured through parliamentary education, community engagement, confidence building and teamwork.

Nominating a Youth Parliamentarian is a rewarding experience and a powerful way for you to engage with young people's ideas in your school and electorate and more broadly in NSW. 

Youth Parliament is always on the lookout for passionate and inspired young people! We welcome any nominations made by schools and/or Members of the NSW Parliament. 

I am a NSW school teacher or Member of Parliament, can I nominate a young person to be Youth Parliamentarian?

Yes! You are welcome to nominate as many young people as possible in years 10-12 (or age equivalent). 

You can nominate a young person by supporting them to complete the YP Application Form and writing them a support letter for them to upload.

Applications for #YP2025 are now open!

Apply for #YP2025 

View #YP25 Info Pack

What is the program fee?

The participant program fee is $1400. We highly encourage that if you have capacity to sponsor a participant from your school or electorate, or support their fundraising campaign – it would support this young person tremendously.

I know of a young person aged between 18-25 years, can I nominate them to be a part of the program?

Yes! For young people aged 18 years and over, you can refer them to the program as a volunteer.

Apply to be a YP Volunteer!

I am a local Member of Parliament and I'd like to meet the Youth Parliamentarian representing my electorate – is this possible?

Yes, please reach out to our program coordinator via email at youthparliament@ymcansw.org.au and we can hopefully make this a reality! 

How can I be a part of the Youth Parliament program?

There are so many ways to be a part of program!  You can support a participant financially by becoming a Sponsor or you can be a part of our Youth Sitting Week. Feel free to contact our Program coordinator to discuss how you can be involved. 

Please reach out to our program coordinator via email at youthparliament@ymcansw.org.au.

Youth Parliament

What is Youth Parliament?

Youth Parliament is the Y NSW’s flagship youth leadership and engagement program and has been operating for 20 years in NSW. The program provides high school-age students with the opportunity to engage with civic leadership, policy development, and democratic parliamentary debate.  

Who can participate in Youth Parliament?

Young people in years 10, 11 and 12 in NSW can register to participate in Youth Parliament. 

Young people who have left school, aged 18-25, can volunteer to be a Taskie! 

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