New generation takes up debating tradition
2 July 2026
Forty years after Victoria’s first Youth Parliament was held, young people from across the state gathered at Parliament House for the latest opportunity to speak up about issues that matter to them.
Over three days, the 2026 group of 120 youth parliamentarians debated and voted on 20 bills they would like to see enacted into law.
Digital health, artificial intelligence education, access to emergency housing, mental health support, gambling reduction, public transport safety, and rural study hubs were among the issues raised.
2026 Youth Governor Scarlet Lee officially opened proceedings and highlighted the importance of the event at both a personal and generational level.
‘Through Youth Parliament, I had found within myself a voice that I did not think I had, nor that I ever felt capable to find,’ she said.
‘Through this program, our young people are able to discover their passions and what change they truly want to see in the world around them. They are able to speak out for what they believe and truly be heard.’
South Gippsland youth parliamentarian Katie Jones said the experience helped her learn about different ways of thinking and different ways of viewing the world.
‘I've learned about different ideals and values that other people hold. And I'm also learning about how to respect them even if I disagree or don't know as much as I would like to about them,’ she said.
‘I've learned to value them, to consider them and to include them in my way of going about the world.’
For the 2026 Youth Premier Helal Beirouti it was a perfect way for young people to build their voice, connections, relationships and confidence.
‘At the end of the day, the future is ours. In the future, we will be adults. And we need to determine how this will look like for our future children and for the future youth,’ he said.
‘And hopefully, in the future, the youth themselves will build on this.’
Also participating were 12 young people who formed the youth press gallery, keeping everyone updated on the latest news from the debates.
The 2026 Victoria Youth Parliament was coordinated by YMCA Victoria, with support from staff of the parliamentary departments, as well as members of parliament who helped to chair proceedings in the parliamentary chambers.
And the outcome: 18 of the 20 bills were passed and provided to the government for consideration.