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Youth Parliament

The Victorian Youth Parliament program gives young people a chance to be heard at the highest levels in Victorian Government.

Geelong Youth Parliament Team 2026

Expressions of Interest for our 2027 Youth Parliament team will open soon

The YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament gives young people aged 16 to 25 the chance to have their say on issues that matter to them and help create change. 
 
Over five months, participants learn how Victoria’s Parliament works, build confidence, develop leadership and advocacy skills, and work with other young people to create a proposed law (Bill) about an issue they’re passionate about. They then have the opportunity to debate their Bill at Parliament House. 
 
The program also includes YMCA residential camps, where participants can develop new skills and meet other young people from across Victoria who want to make a difference. 
 
Young people interested in taking part can apply to join the City’s Youth Parliament team.

Summary of proposed Bills

A Bill for an Act to establish a state level committee responsible for establishing and designating Biolink networks that interconnect throughout the state of Victoria. 

This Committee shall additionally be responsible for creating and maintaining guidelines for developing in and around Biolink zoned areas. The Bill also empowers Councils with enforcement rights for these guidelines.

This Bill aims to create interconnection between wildlife conservation and urban development throughout rural, regional and city areas by creating a more biodiverse state. Through establishing a range of wildlife friendly networks, it shall enable further protections of native flora and fauna. By extension of the introduction of these Biolinks, the physical and mental quality of life for Victorians shall be greatly increased.

A Bill for an Act to address low swim safety and to establish a board to educate, 
enforce and plan on issues directly related to drowning prevention in the state of 
Victoria.

This Bill shall work towards reducing preventable drownings and mitigate hazards that could lead towards incidents in water. It establishes a swim safety board to be known as the Victorian Swim and Water Safety Board (VSWSB) which reforms, defines and enforces nationally recognized training of swimming instructors in both public and private settings. 

Furthermore, this Bill uses the VSWSB to promote contemporary research and spread swimming awareness with the public.

This Bill aims to combat the rising number of incidental drownings in Victoria, notably incidents involving youth, and both mandate and formalise training for swimming instructors employed in both public and private sectors to address the perceived current lack of regulation within the industry.

Want to know more?

For more information about the Victorian Youth Parliament program, please email us.

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