This week, 150 secondary school students from across Australia – one from each federal electorate – will come to Canberra for the 2026 National Youth Parliament – a fully funded, five-day program designed to equip young Australians with the knowledge, confidence and skills to engage with Australia’s parliamentary democracy.
New research from Y Australia has revealed that almost eight in 10 (79 per cent) of young Australians say they are very interested in democracy and the social issues affecting Australia, with more than four in five (83 per cent) reporting having become more interested over the past two years. However, one in five (22 per cent) say they don’t know how to get involved.
The National Youth Parliament therefore provides a timely civics engagement opportunity for young people. Youth Members will come together at Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House) for mock sittings of the House of Representatives, panels and ‘Member Experience’ sessions. Through these activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of how Parliament works and the process by which bills are drafted, debated and passed into law.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Milton Dick MP, said “I’m very excited to welcome our 150 Youth Members to Parliament House in Canberra. As Speaker, I am so passionate about opening up Parliament House and inspiring our next generation of leaders. Experiences like these are so important in giving young Australians real opportunities to connect with their community, learn how our system works and engage with our country’s great democracy.”
Y Australia is a nationally recognised leader in youth civics engagement, with over 40 years’ experience delivering Youth Parliament programs across the country.
Y Australia CEO Alexandra Ash said, “Our research shows young Australians care deeply about our democracy and the issues affecting Australia. The challenge isn’t a lack of interest – it’s ensuring they have genuine opportunities to participate and know their voices matter. The National Youth Parliament gives young Australians exactly that opportunity. Through the program, participants gain firsthand experience of our parliamentary system while developing the skills to think critically, challenge ideas and listen to different perspectives. Y Australia is proud to provide this opportunity in partnership with the Department of the House of Representatives.”
The full list of 150 Youth Members selected for the 2026 National Youth Parliament is on the National Youth Parliament website.
