About the program

The Department of the House of Representatives and the Y Australia are excited to announce Expressions of Interest are officially open for the National Youth Parliament 2026 and are inviting young people from all walks of life to engage directly with civics and the Parliament. This program aims to equip 16-17-year-olds with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to actively participate in Australia's democratic and parliamentary system.

Through hands-on learning experiences, including simulated parliamentary debates, workshops with political leaders, and real-world policy challenges, students will gain a deeper understanding of how Parliament works and the process by which bills are drafted, debated and passed into law.

Youth Members will travel to Canberra for a five-day (four-night) program held across Australian Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House. All costs associated with the program including travel and accommodation are covered by the program.   The Department of the House of Representatives is working with experienced Youth Parliament program provider, Y Australia to deliver the program. The Y has been running Youth Parliament programs for over four decades.

Why it matters:

• Research shows that young Australians are increasingly disengaged from traditional politics yet remain deeply passionate about social issues. 
• Civics education has been declining in curriculum focus, leaving many young people unaware of how laws are made or how Parliament functions.
• This program helps close that gap by giving students real opportunities to see behind the scenes and learn how the system works.
• By investing in civics education and leadership development for young people, the National Youth Parliament aims to strengthen the democratic process itself.