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NSW Youth Parliament

This program is run by YMCA of Sydney, and is open to students across the state in years 9-12. Students are accepted by application. One student represents each electorate in the state. Successful students are then put into teams based upon their expressed interest in particular contemporary political/social issues. Students will find themselves working with team members from the furthest areas of the state and communicate through email.

Their task is to develop legislation that aims to overcome issues they face as youth in their communities. Each team works on their bill throughout the year, with support from the YMCA taskforce. Students attend two residential camps during the program, one at Yarramundi and one at Parliament House in Sydney. During these camps they get to meet their team members and undertake intensive training in public speaking, Parliamentary protocols and leadership skills.

At Parliament House they will present and debate their bills. Bills that are passed by Youth Parliament then proceed to the Lower House for debate by MPs.

Several key politicians take an active interest in this program and make a point of speaking with and encouraging the participating students. The students also have morning tea with the Governor of NSW.

The high standard expected of students in this program means that SLC, debating and Legal Studies students are preferred. It is to the credit of this school that in the past two years we have had three students shine in this program.

Last Updated on 15/05/2009