Leadership pathway for young Indigenous Queenslanders opens

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders aged 18–25 encouraged to apply for the 2026 Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program. 
• Participants will step into Parliament for the Eric Deeral Indigenous Youth Parliament, learning how they can create change.
• The Crisafulli Government is supporting and elevating the next generation of Indigenous leaders from every corner of the State, after Labor’s focus on division during a decade of decline.  

The Crisafulli Government has opened nominations for the 22^nd annual Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program. 

The seven-day leadership program gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders aged 18 to 25 the opportunity to build their leadership skills, lead community projects, and create positive changes in their communities. 

The Crisafulli Government is supporting and elevating the next generation of Indigenous leaders from every corner of the State, after Labor’s focus on division during a decade of decline.  

Successful participants will come together in Brisbane for a week in December to take part in the Eric Deeral Indigenous Youth Parliament and develop practical skills to achieve success in their chosen career pathways. 

The Indigenous Youth Parliament is named in honour of Eric Deeral, who in 1974 became the first Aboriginal person elected to State parliament across Australia, as the National Party Member for Cook in Far North Queensland. 

A tireless advocate for his community and his people, Eric Deeral fought to deliver for the Far North. 

Since 2004, the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program has supported more than 780 young people, with many returning as mentors and program facilitators.  

Minister for Youth Sam O’Connor said the program would empower emerging leaders from regional and remote Queensland. 

“This is a life-changing program that builds the connections, skills and confidence these young Queenslanders will use to create lasting change in our communities across Queensland,” Minister O'Connor said. 

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program encapsulated the core values of its pioneering namesake, Eric Deeral. 

"Eric Deeral was a powerful leader for his community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples more broadly," Minister Simpson said. 

"As a local MP, he advocated tirelessly for better roads in North Queensland to allow tourism and other industries to flourish, and he ensured improvements were made to schools and health facilities.   

"In 2012, as Speaker of the Queensland Parliament, I had the honour of formally acknowledging Eric Deeral’s service at a ceremony held on his land in Hope Vale, where we also sought his permission to rename the Indigenous Youth Parliament after him. 

"He was a great role model for all – and his legacy continues to live on today, inspiring the next generation through the Indigenous Youth Parliament." 

2025 participant Teagan Olssen went on to be elected Youth Member for Redlands and Sponsoring Minister for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Committee in the 2026 Queensland Youth Parliament.  

Ms Olssen has also been selected to contribute to the first update of Australia’s National First Nations Education Policy since 1989.  

Teagan Olssen said the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program had such a big impact on her confidence and leadership.  

“It helped me build the confidence to network, speak up and take on opportunities that align with my values and goals,” Ms Olssen said.  

"It really set the foundation for everything I’ve stepped into this year.” 

Interested young people can find out more and submit a nomination at Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program - qld.gov.au. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Caet Young, 0427 939 326