Queensland Youth Parliament

YMCA QYP is a fantastic opportunity for youth to create real change in Queensland. Youth Members are the voice of young people in their electorates, advising politicians and decision-makers across the state. They’ll also be immersed in unique educational opportunities; experience parliamentary operation first hand; mingle with members of Government and Opposition; and have their say in fiery debates about topical issues.

Beyond bridging the gap between legislators and youth in Queensland, QYP also provides an outstanding opportunity for personal development, be that in leadership skills, public speaking ability or the lifelong friendships forged throughout the experience.

A volunteer team of young people work together to bring the program to life: the QYP Executive Team. Led by a Program Coordinator, 18 past participants are trained and supported by the Brisbane YMCA to ensure that this is truly a premier youth event – organised by youth, for youth.

Anyone aged 15-25 with a passion for change can nominate for QYP. All you need to have a great time in the program is some enthusiasm – we’ll teach you all you need to know about parliamentary debate, Bill writing, working with the media and more! Like the real Queensland Parliament, however, we can only select so many Youth Members, so if you miss out on your first attempt, we’d love to hear from you again the year after.

Absolutely. We will do anything and everything we can to cater for any physical, mental or other disability – feel free to give us a call or flick us an email to talk about your specific situation.

QYP runs annually from March – October, and is now entering its 28th year. 93 Youth Members are selected from nominations every year, and competition is fierce.

The cost to participate in Queensland Youth Parliament is $500 for each Youth Member. This is an all-inclusive package price, and includes accommodation, meals and transport between Camp Warrawee and Parliament House during both residential events. Whilst this fee does not cover transport to and from Brisbane, we are able to assist rural and remote Youth Members in seeking travel reimbursement from the YMCA.

Being a Youth Member is a unique chance to create change, so Federal and State Members of Parliament, youth groups, clubs such as Rotary and Lions and local businesses are often willing to sponsor some or all of the participation costs. Just in case the deal wasn’t sweet enough already, once you’ve been selected as a Youth Member, we’ll send you a Sponsorship Pack with heaps of tips, ideas, templates and pointers for approaching your community for support.

So now that you know what QYP is all about, you're probably wondering 'how can I get involved?' It’s very simple – just apply through our online form above or download the application form.

To keep up to date with YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or email the Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We look forward to seeing your application!

QYP runs throughout the year, so you’ll usually have a few months to complete anything that the program requires of you. You’ll also be working alongside other Youth Members in your Portfolio, so the workload is often a shared one. Many full-time university and high school students have completed the program without difficulty, so you certainly won’t be losing sleep over QYP.

However, it is expected that once you agree to commence the program, you remain engaged in it until the end – you have been selected over other similarly outstanding youth in your electorate, and to pull out is to do a disservice to them, and to yourself.

Well, you’ll start by meeting each other and the Exec at Launch Weekend in April. After you split up into your Portfolios, you’ll get to work with your Mentor: brainstorming, researching, writing, editing and submitting a Bill and Amendments to deliberate in Parliament. Come late September, you’ll see each other’s smiling faces again at Residential Sitting Week, when Youth Members take over the Legislative Assembly Chamber of the Queensland Parliament. Over the course of four days, lively debate, interjections and banter fill the Chamber as each Portfolio presents their Bill for debate and possible amendment.

Every Youth Members gets multiple opportunities to speak in Queensland Parliament, including a two-minute Private Member Statement on any topic they’d like.

After you’ve debated each of the Bills you have created, they will be passed to the Youth Governor for their assent to become Youth Acts. After this, the Youth Acts are then handed directly to the Premier for distribution to Ministers and Members of Parliament for their consideration.