Nominate now for the 29th YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament

• Nominations have opened for the 29^th Queensland Youth Parliament.
• Queenslanders aged 15 to 25 can nominate and have the opportunity to speak up for their local communities.
• Nominations close on 9^th February.

Young people from across Queensland who want to make their voices heard and empower their communities are urged to apply to participate in the 2024 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, with applications now open.

The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament offers Queenslanders aged 15 to 25 the opportunity to speak up for their communities and learn first-hand about parliamentary processes.

This year sees the 29th YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament. Every year, the program brings together 93 young people, representing each electorate in Queensland.

The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament offers a platform for young people across the state to have a say about important issues facing their communities, connect with their peers and learn about our democracy.

Program participants will meet in Brisbane in April 2024 to form legislative committees and discuss ideas, and again in September for a residential program and the opportunity to debate their youth bills at Parliament House.

Between April and September, members of each committee will collaborate to write their youth bills, as well as design and implement community action plans.

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.

Quotes attributable to Minister Leeanne Enoch

“Youth Parliament has a strong history of empowering young people to express their views and take up challenges to become leaders of the future.

“In the past, ideas that have been formulated through Queensland Youth Parliament have become government policy.

“I encourage young people to nominate for this program as it provides an opportunity to build their leadership skills and learn about influencing change.

“It is a testament to the Y Queensland’s commitment that the program continues to challenge young people and provide an opportunity for them to share their ideas of change with the government.

The Queensland Government provides annual funding to the Y Queensland to run the program.

Nominations are already open and will close at 11.59pm on 9^th February 2024.

For more information about the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament go to www.ymcaqyp.org.au or email qypcoordinator@ymcabrisbane.org.

ENDS

Media contact:  Tim Auguston 0427 090 563