the Y
Youth Parliament is a program run by YMCA Youth Services that gives young people a chance to be heard at the highest levels of the Victorian Government. Through this program, young people between the ages of 16 and 25 can share their views on a wide range of issues relevant to their lives.
Twenty teams of six participants receive training in public speaking and leadership at residential camps, as they research the issues they are most passionate about. With the assistance of an experienced Taskforce, compiled of past participants, the team will research and debate a state issue they are passionate about and present it in the form of a Bill in the parliamentary chambers.
Bills passed by the Youth Parliament and given the assent of the Youth Governor, are then passed onto the State Government of the day for consideration.