Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Youth Parliament?
The National Youth Parliament is a national civic education program that brings together 150 young people – one from every federal electorate – to take part in a hands-on experience of Australia’s democracy.
In August 2026, Youth Members will travel to Canberra for a five-day residential program, where they’ll meet Members of Parliament, debate policy ideas in a chamber setting, and take part in leadership and civics activities designed to grow their confidence, knowledge, and voice.
Who’s running the program?
The Department of the House of Representatives has engaged Y Australia as the delivery partner for the National Youth Parliament.
The Y has over 40 years of experience running Youth Parliament programs and is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering experiences for young people.
All staff supporting the program are trained in child safety, have the required clearances, and follow best-practice safeguarding policies to ensure your wellbeing is protected at all times.
If you or your guardian have questions about safety or support, please contact us at nationalyp@the-y.org.au
When is the program happening?
The program will take place from the 16th – 20th August, 2026 in Canberra.
Who are the Youth Members?
The 150 Youth Members represent every federal electorate across Australia and were selected through a rigorous, multi-stage process from almost 2,200 applicants nationwide.
They reflect a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, united by a shared interest in leadership, community and Australia’s democratic system.
Can the public attend or watch the program?
The National Youth Parliament is delivered as a supervised residential program for participants.
While some elements take place in public areas of Australian Parliament House, seating and access are limited and cannot be guaranteed. We recommend following National Youth Parliament channels for updates and coverage across the week.
Can schools or communities be involved?
Schools and communities are encouraged to celebrate and support their local Youth Member. Resources to support local recognition are available on request.
Do Youth Members pay for the program?
Nope! The program covers all essential costs, including:
- Flights or transport to and from Canberra
- Accommodation for four nights
- All meals and program activities
If they have accessibility needs, dietary requirements, or other considerations, we’ll work with them to make sure they’re supported.
Can I still apply?
Expressions of Interest for the 2026 program have now closed.
Almost 2,200 applications were received from across Australia, with 150 participants selected through a competitive process.
Will there be another National Youth Parliament?
The 2026 program is currently funded as a one-off initiative, with future programs dependent on funding and evaluation outcomes.
In the meantime, we encourage young people to explore other opportunities to get involved, including state Youth Parliament programs in their state or territory and initiatives supported by the Office for Youth, which offer meaningful pathways to build leadership skills and engage in civic life.