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Queensland Youth Parliament

The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP) is a unique opportunity for young people to create real change in Queensland. QYP participants, known as Youth Members, are the voice of youth in their electorates, advising politicians and decision-makers across the state. They're immersed in unique educational opportunities, experience parliamentary operation first hand, mingle with members of Government and Opposition, and have their say in fiery debates on topical issues.

Every year, new Youth Members engage in a six-month program, where they'll work in a small team (portfolio) to write a Bill proposing a law reform they are passionate about. Following this, Youth Members have the rare opportunity to debate their Bill at Parliament House in Brisbane.

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 transformative experience.

Become a Youth Member at YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament

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.

2024 Programs & Key Dates

  • Nominations Open:
    January / February
    Nominations to join the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament are open.
  • Launch Weekend:
    12 - 14 April
    Held over three days in Brisbane from 12 - 14 April, Youth Members meet for the first time, discuss Youth Bill ideas within their committees, and are equipped with the skills they will need to be effective representatives of their communities. The program will be officially launched with a ceremony at Parliament House.
  • Meetings Phase:
    13 April - 21 September

    Committees meet either in person, over the phone, or online to write their Bills and engage in community consultations. Flexible online workspaces are used for collaborative editing, file sharing and constructive discussion. Youth Members are encouraged to use their position to maximise their community engagement throughout this period.

  • Residential Sitting Week:
    22 - 28 September

    Sitting Week brings all Youth Members together in Brisbane at Parliament House to debate their Youth Bills, deliver personal statements and gain insight into the work done by our state’s lawmakers. Various social activities are also organised to ensure a fun, challenging and memorable week for everyone.

YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament is run by youth, for youth.

FAQs

A few questions we get asked most about Queensland Youth Parliament program.

Youth Acts

Every year, within their Portfolios, Youth Members brainstorm, research, write, edit and submit Youth Bills and amendments for consideration. Youth Bills are debated by Youth Members in the Legislative Assembly Chamber of Queensland Parliament. Any Youth Bills that pass are given assent by the Youth Governor of Queensland to become Youth Acts. Youth Acts are handed directly to the Minister for Youth and the Premier for distribution to Ministers and Members of Parliament for their consideration.

Contact QYP

If you would like to make a general enquiry, or if you have a question that hasn't been answered on our website or our FAQs section, please feel free to contact our Program Coordinator.

For media (interview requests, media releases, etc) or corporate sponsorship inquiries, please contact our Media Officers at media@ymcaqyp.org.au.

Policy Downloads
Connect With Us on Social Media

The simplest ways to connect directly with our Executive Team & Youth Members are via social media and our Your Voice Heard blog. 

Who's Behind QYP?

The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP) is run by a volunteer team of young people (Executive) who work together to bring the program to life. Led by a program coordinator, 18 Youth Members are trained and supported by the Y Queensland to ensure that this is truly a premier youth event organised by youth, for youth.

The QYP is a youth services initiative of the State Council of YMCAs of Queensland, operated by the YMCA Queensland, sponsored by the Queensland Government, and supported by Members and staff of the QLD Parliament.

The Y Queensland

The YMCA has a strong reputation for training and developing leadership amongst young people, as well as providing services for disadvantaged youth. It is through its assistance and support that QYP continues to run smoothly and successfully year after year. Established in 1864, YMCA Brisbane, Queensland offers weekly services to thousands of community members and runs programs from more than 180 sites in South-East Queensland. 

The Y Queensland employs more than 1100 staff in various roles in the areas of fitness and recreation, child care, education, community and youth centres, hospitality, housing and social impact. As a not-for-profit organisation, the Y is a customer-focused organisation that has the flexibility and capability to adjust to changing community needs, providing more than 3.25 million participations in Y programs annually.

Queensland Government

The Queensland Government has an ongoing commitment to ensuring that youth are heard, and are influential in the political and policy-making processes. Both their financial and supportive contributions have been vital in the delivery of the QYP program. The strong partnership forged between the Queensland Government, and the YMCA QYP Executive, continues to secure a strong political and social voice for youth.

Queensland Youth Parliament also has a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Thanks to generous sponsorship from the Queensland Government, we are able to provide a number of scholarships to ensure all Youth Members have equal opportunity to have their voice heard.

The Queensland Parliamentary Service

The Queensland Parliamentary Service provides invaluable support to the YMCA QYP, assisting in ensuring that the Youth Acts produced, and debate enjoyed, by Youth Members are of a very high standard. It also through their involvement that Youth Members enjoy an educational and authentic experience of the parliamentary process, being able to utilise the Legislative Chamber during Residential Sitting Week. Queensland Parliament staff also assist by educating participants about Parliament House, proofing Youth Bills and Amendments and acting as Clerks during Youth Parliament sittings.