Ahead of a parliamentary training camp this month, Izzy, Thoorigai, Jessie, Bella, Jye and Pippa recently met with Christine Couzens MP and Alison Marchant MP for insights and guidance.

The young people talked the MPs through their Reforming Biolink Requirements Bill 2026 and what motivated them to get involved in the Victorian Youth Parliament program.

The program will culminate during sitting week in July, when Youth Parliamentarians will introduce, debate and vote on their bills. They will then formally present the passed bills to Minister for Youth Luba Grigorovitch, who will share them to relevant state Members of Parliament for consideration. 

The group’s bill stems from the young people’s interest and research into how to ensure long-term consistency in rural and urban areas around environmental concerns. It proposes clearer responsibilities for wildlife corridor preservation for landowners and developers, along with introducing enforcement to maintain these conditions.

Over the life of the Youth Parliament program, participants from across Victoria have successfully influenced legislation in the past on critical issues such as free public transport for people under 18, mental health, education and the environment.

The annual program teaches participants about the Victorian legislative system and provides mentorship, skill development and a unique platform to influence state legislation on issues that are important to them.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM 

The Victorian Youth Parliament program champions the voices of young people.

Geelong’s team is one of 20 participating this year, supported by the City and Y Geelong, and it has been great to see these motivated young people stepping into leadership opportunities.

We wish these locals, aged 16 to 25, the best of luck when they present to the Victorian Parliament in July.

The future is looking bright with so many young people driven to make positive change in Greater Geelong.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant 

The Victoria Youth Parliament program is a valuable opportunity for young Victorians to have their voices heard, grow as leaders, and drive real change. 

I look forward to seeing them take the floor in Parliament and advocate for the issues that matter most to their communities.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens 

It was great to meet the young people from Geelong who will be participating in the Victorian Youth Parliament later this year. 

I admired their passion to learn and participate positively to make changes for the benefit of their community. 

They are our next generation of leaders.