Young people from the Douglas Shire and Cook electorate who want to make their voices heard can apply to participate in the 2022 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.

Now in its 27th year, the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament offers young Queenslanders aged 15 to 25 years the opportunity to speak up for their communities and learn first-hand about parliamentary processes.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said that since 1996, the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament had brought young people together to learn about our democracy, connect with their peers and have a say about important issues facing our state.

“I encourage young people to nominate for this program to assist them to build their leadership skills and learn about influencing change,” she said.

“Each year the program brings together 93 young people, representing each electorate in the state.”

“It has a strong history of empowering young people to take up challenges to become leaders of the future.”

Participants in Years 11 and 12 are also eligible to receive one point towards their Queensland Certificate of Education upon the completion of their term as a Youth Member, as the program is accredited by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority. 

The program will bring participants together in Brisbane in April, to form legislative Portfolios and discuss ideas, and again in September for a residential program and the opportunity to debate their bills at Parliament House.
Between April and September, Portfolios will collaborate to write their bills, as well as design and implement community action plans.

The Queensland Government provides annual funding to YMCA Brisbane to run the program.

Nominations close on Sunday 20 February 2022. For more information about the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, email qypcoordinator@ymcabrisbane.org or go to www.ymcaqyp.org.au.