Fifty-nine young people from across Western Australia have been selected to take part in the Y WA’s 2026 Youth Parliament programme, representing each of the State’s 59 electorates in what marks the programme’s 31st year.
Among the participants, the suburb of Harrisdale is represented by three separate individuals, Jessica Loader, Obed Kibet and Mihela Ram. These participants will, respectively, represent the Armadale electorate while sitting on the Education and E-safety Committee, the Oakford electorate while sitting on the Energy and Environment Committee and the Southern River electorate while sitting on the Culture and Arts Committee.
Hand-picked through a competitive application process, the cohort reflects a diverse cross-section of young Western Australians, each stepping into the role of a Youth Member of Parliament for their local community and taking the reins of power for the first time.
The group has already come together at the programme’s inaugural training camp, the first of three residential camps designed to build skills, confidence and connection.
“As one of the State’s leading youth leadership and civic engagement initiatives, the four-month program offers participants intensive training in public speaking, leadership and parliamentary procedure,” Y WA, the event’s organiser, has declared.
“Through a combination of weekly online meetings, three full-day training workshops and one immersive residential camp, participants collaborate to research issues, draft legislation and prepare for debate.
“Camp experiences also focus on teamwork, networking and developing a strong sense of community among like-minded peers.
“In the coming weeks, participants will begin determining which topics will be debated, with the freedom to explore issues spanning any State Government portfolio. Throughout the programme, they will act as Youth Members, advocating for their communities and shaping youth-focused legislation.”
Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald said it was inspiring to welcome this year’s cohort into a programme that provides young people with both a platform and a powerful sense of connection.
“This programme brings together 59 outstanding young people and gives them not only a voice, but a genuine sense of belonging,” he said.
“Through the Y WA Youth Parliament, they build confidence and capability, develop independence, and form meaningful connections with each other and their communities. These are the foundations that enable young people to thrive and contribute positively to society.”
The programme will culminate in July, when participants take to the floor of Parliament House to debate their bills in a live chamber setting. Following the programme, all proposed legislation is formally presented to Government and Opposition Members, the Governor of Western Australia, the Lord Mayor of Perth and the WA Department for Communities for consideration.
“Youth Parliament has a strong track record of influencing real-world policy,” Y WA has claimed.
“In 2020, participants passed a Coercive Control Bill that contributed to growing national awareness and reform. Since then, coercive control laws have been introduced in New South Wales and Queensland, and Western Australia passed the Family Violence Legislation Reform Bill in September 2024, strengthening protections for victims and holding perpetrators accountable.”
Participant Jessica Loader, when asked why she wanted to be part of the Y WA Youth Parliament programme, answered: “I wanted to be part of this programme to further learn about how our parliament in Australia works in depth, as I am very interested in politics. I’d love to expand my network and meet likeminded people or have some educated discussions to challenge my own views and learn other perspectives.
“We too, as young people, are impacted by the government’s decisions, so it makes sense that we get to discuss the problems we are facing. Considering some of us are still in school, and what we get taught has evolved over the years, our opinions are going to be different compared to older generations.”
Y WA is a subsidiary of the broader Y movement, better known as YMCA, the largest global youth organisation, operating in over 120 countries and reaching up to 65 million people. They have conducted WA Youth Parliament since 1995.
It is delivered by a dedicated team of young volunteers, many of whom are former participants, and is made possible through the ongoing support of the Parliament of Western Australia, the Western Australian Department of Communities and Wormall Group Western Australia.
The 2026 cohort has now begun their journey toward shaping ideas, influencing change and representing the voices of young people across the State.
