What is Youth Parliament?

If….
• You're into voicing your opinions to others or just want to get more experience talking in front of other people.

• You've got something to say about the issues in your local area or state

• You want to tell our State's politicians about the issues that affect young people and how they can better serve people like you

• You would like to know more about NSW Government and politics

• You want to spend a week with young people just like you in an exciting atmosphere.

THEN YP IS FOR YOU!!!

What is YP ?

The New South Wales Youth Parliament (YP) is an initiative implemented and run by the NSW State Council of YMCA's. The initiative gives young people a program that gives young people like you, a voice in the running of NSW. Basically, it is a place where the opinions and concerns of young people in NSW are heard by those who have the power to make laws.

Due to the success of YP we have expanded the program, so that everyone in years 9 - 12 across NSW has the chance to take part. This year we aim to get a representative from each state electorate across NSW, that way all areas are equally represented and a broad cross section of views can be heard.

So, If you're the kind of person who wants to have a say in what's going on in your community and your state, we want you! Applications are now open and can be accessed via the Sign Me Up! button on this site. For additional information please contact us by clicking on the ‘contact us’ link

What's Involved ?

After all applications have been received the YP '06 taskforce will meet to discuss and review each application. You will be contacted via email by 20 March 2006 if you have been successful. Further information will be sent to your house soon after.

Once applicants have been selected you will be placed into teams where over a 3 month period you will develop a bill about an issue which is relevant to your team. Most of the meetings take place online via a YP chat forum or via email so you don't have to worry about traveling long distances to see one another. During this time there is an orientation camp where you actually get to meet all participants from across NSW as well as getting help and training from past YP participants and writing experts.

Bills need to be complete in early July when you will go to residential camp. At the camp final touches are made to your bills and then you actually get to present them in front of MP's and ministers in NSW Parliament House.

These bills are presented to members of the State House of Representatives at NSW Parliament House and then given to the NSW Premier and the Leader of the Opposition for review.

At YP in 2002 a team presented their bill about a uniform age for sexual consent. Members of Parliament took this idea on board and brought it to the attention of Parliament and has now been made law!

So What's the point ?

You have the opportunity to influence what happens in you local community, your electorate and even your State by being a participant or even by being elected in a leadership position. Ever the thought of yourself being leader of a party? Premier? Or even Governor of the State? YP gives you the opportunity to see the roles in action and meet the people who are currently in these roles.

Now you're probably wondering where this all leads to…Well, Youth Parliament in Victoria has been responsible for many changes to State law. Such as strengthening gun laws, smoking bans and regulated the labeling of environmentally friendly products.

Heard about the equality changes to the age of consent in NSW? In 2002 a team in the NSW YP actually proposed a similar bill, which sparked interest in the Government to address this issue.

When Does It All Happen ?

Here's the rundown…

When: Training Camp: 21st April – 23rd April 2006. This will be an orientation to the program and a chance for participants to meet and work on their bills. Residential Camp: 2nd July - 7th July 2006.

Where: The training camp and the residential camp will be at Camp Yarramundi, Richmond, with the days in parliament being held at NSW Parliament, Sydney.

Who: The program is open to people from regional and metropolitan areas of NSW in years 9 to 12. This year the program is being expanded to allow for one representative from each electorate.

Who runs the program?

The YMCA runs the YP program across Australia. The YMCA of Sydney is responsible for the management of the NSW Program. The YMCA of Sydney has a YP coordinator in addition to an appointed a taskforce who is primarily responsible for the daily organisation and operations of the event.

The Taskforce is made up of dynamic volunteers, aged 18 to 23 years.
This ensures that this is truly a youth event; organised by youth, for youth.

How much does YP'06 cost?

This year the program will cost $390. This includes accommodation, meals, transport between Camp Yarramundi and NSW Parliament House whilst on residential camp, all activities and extra expenses throughout the duration of the residential camp. Please note that this fee does not include travel to and from the training and residential camp.

Previous participants have found it very valuable to obtain sponsorship from local businesses, youth associations or clubs such as Rotary and Lions. Local MP's have also been helpful in assisting participants in their local area. To help you out even further, once you have been selected we will send you a sponsorship pack which will give you ideas and details of whom to contact.

How do I apply?

Click on the "Application Form" link and download the application pack. If you are having problems downloading the application pack, please email us via the contact link or call us and we can send you an information and application pack via the post.

Also each high school across NSW has been sent a copy of the application and information pack so you can ask there too!

Who is able to apply?

Everyone in year's 9 through 12 at High School.

How do I find out what my electorate is?

Click here to the State Electoral Office and click on the link to "District Search" on the left hand side of the page to search for your electorate.