The Youth Parliament (YP) Program has run throughout Western Australia for 14 subsequent years as a part of the YMCA's national Youth Parliament Program. Every state and territory in Australia (with the exception of the A.C.T) engages in the Youth Parliament Program thanks to the support of the YMCA's in all capital cities across the nation. Since the inception of the program approximately 10,000 young people have had the opportunity to participate. In Western Australia the program is usually conducted between April and July.

 

YP is an exciting and energising program that provides young people with the opportunity to engage in civics and citizenship education in a practical way like no other. Young people that get involved in the program take on the role of their local Member of Parliament and engage in various education and preparation programs before embarking in living the life as an MP for a week.

The Western Australian Youth Parliament aims to act as the following:

• A State level Youth Forum
• A Young People's Development Program
• Create a practical experience and opportunities program
• A Politics, Law, Civics and Citizenship education program
• Strong reference group to the Western Australian Government

Mission Statement:

"The Australian Youth Parliament Programs will educate, empower and unite young people to bring about positive social change"

 

The 2006 Youth Parliament (Held in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly)