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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.
    What is QYP?

    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.

    Who runs QYP?

    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.

    Who can be involved in QYP?

    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.

    Does QYP cater for young people with disabilities?

    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.

    How often does QYP occur?

    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.

    How much will the program cost?

    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.

    How can I apply?

    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!

    What sort of time commitment does QYP involve?

    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.

    What do Youth Members do?

    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.

    What happens to the Bills after Residential Sitting?

    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.

    Do I have to know anything about politics?
    Certainly not! There are no pop quizzes on the Cabinet makeup or the parliamentary process, and in the capable hands of the Exec, you’ll learn everything you need to know in sessions throughout the year.
    Do I have to be a member of a political party?
    Absolutely not! But we really don’t mind – as long as you leave partisan politics at the door, you’ll fit right in at QYP.

      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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

      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.