The Crisafulli Government is proud to support this year’s Queensland Youth Parliament, offering young people a unique opportunity to be heard on the issues they care about and to gain firsthand experience of how parliament works.
Ninety-three young parliamentarians are coming together at Parliament House this week for the 31st Queensland Youth Parliament to debate a series of mock bills and test their political leadership skills.
Youth Members representing all Queensland electorates will discuss and evaluate eight bills during the residential sitting week, which runs from Sunday, 27 September 2026 to Saturday, 3 October 2026.
The issues they will be debating include helping senior school students successfully transition to employment by mandating work experience in senior years; ensuring patients with comparable conditions receive equitable care; and a bill to strengthen the state’s disaster preparedness and response.
Previous bills introduced by Queensland Youth Parliament have led to significant law reform in the State including the ban on single-use plastics and protections against revenge porn.
Acting Minister for Youth Andrew Powell, who opened the Youth Parliament this year, said it was important to nurture the next generation of leaders.
“The Youth Members involved in this program are influential voices representing young people in their electorates,” Acting Minister Powell said.
“As a result of being involved in QYP they will gain valuable insights into the political process, understand how to create real changes for their communities by proposing law reform on issues they are passionate about.
“Additionally, the bills they will introduce, and debate will serve to inform future policy considerations and may result in lasting legislative changes.”
Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause said programs such as Queensland Youth Parliament provide valuable opportunities for young Queenslanders to develop leadership skills, learn about the parliamentary process and contribute to discussions on issues affecting their communities.
“It’s encouraging to see young people taking an active interest in public life and learning how they can make a positive difference in their communities,” Mr Krause said.
“Queensland Youth Parliament gives participants a unique opportunity to build confidence, develop advocacy skills and gain a deeper understanding of how our democracy works. Those experiences can have a lasting impact and help inspire the next generation of community leaders.”
Mr Krause congratulated all participants who had taken part in the program and acknowledged the role of YMCA Queensland in providing opportunities for young people from across the state to engage with the parliamentary process.