The Victorian Youth Parliament program supports young people to speak up and be heard about issues that they are passionate about.
In a team of six, Youth Parliamentarians will be supported in writing a Bill addressing a state-based issue that they would like to see changed or added into Victorian legislation. Bills will be introduced into the Youth Parliament, debated and voted upon during the sitting week held in the chambers of Parliament House, Victoria. Upon conclusion of the sitting week, all Youth Parliament Bills that passed are officially handed to the Minister for Youth to be disseminated to the relevant state Members of Parliament.
In addition to debates, Victorian Youth Parliamentarians will engage in a range of personal and professional development sessions during the residential camps (May and July), run according to experiential learning principles. Residential camps will also provide the Youth Parliamentarians a space to engage in the community of changemakers coming together from across the state to partake in the program.
While teams will begin meeting with their training mentors in February, the residential camps will be held over the following dates:
- 23th – 25th May 2025: Participant Training Weekend held at Lake Dewar Lodge campsite
- 6th July – 11th July 2025: Week of Youth Parliament held at Lake Dewar Lodge campsite and Parliament House of Victoria
The application period will be open from 9th September until 11th October.