Young Victorians are being encouraged to have their say on issues that matter to them at next year’s YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament.

Minister for Youth Ros Spence today opened applications for the 2022 Youth Parliament program and called on young people from across the state to apply.

The Andrews Labor Government is investing $160,000 to support the 2022 Youth Parliament, which gives young people aged 16-25 an opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the parliamentary process.

Participants will draft, debate and vote on bills in a three-day intensive sitting held in the chambers of the Victorian Parliament. Bills that pass Youth Parliament are presented to government for consideration.

Youth Parliament has helped shape more than 30 Victorian laws, including the new container deposit scheme, mandatory wearing of bike helmets, banning the sale of soft drinks in government schools and gender-neutral school uniforms.

The program also includes the YMCA Youth Press Gallery, which provides an opportunity for young people with an interest in journalism to meet professional state and national political reporters and participate in a real press gallery.

The Youth Press Gallery is responsible for developing and publishing content for mainstream media outlets including SBS and ABC, managing social media, and shooting and editing footage of debates.

Applications are open until 9 December. For more information or to apply, visit vicyouth.ymca.org.au/learning-and-leadership/youth-parliament/get-involved.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Ros Spence

“This is a unique opportunity for young leaders to see how government works, and to influence change on the issues that matter to young Victorians.”

“I encourage young people from across the state to get involved in this opportunity.”

Quote attributable to the Youth Governor of Victoria Kergen Angel

“The Y Victoria Youth Parliament has led young Victorians through countless transformative experiences over 35 years to become active and global citizens. The 2022 Youth Parliament aspires for greatness.”