Y WA has selected 59 young people from across the state to take part in its 2026 Youth Parliament program, including Maddington resident Saniya Ali.
The 20-year-old will represent the Thornlie electorate as part of the Community and Disability Services Committee during the four-month leadership and civic engagement program.
Participants were selected through a competitive application process and will take part in training camps, workshops ad parliamentary debates before presenting their proposed legislation later this year.
Saniya said her interest in law and advocacy motivated her to apply for the program.
“I applied for Youth Parliament because I’ve always been passionate about giving young people a stronger voice in decisions that directly affect our future,” she said.
“Studying law and working in a legal environment has shown me how important representation and advocacy are, especially for young people who often feel unheard.”
Saniya said she hoped the program would help her better understand the concerns of young people and ensure their perspectives were represented.
“I wanted to be part of a program where I could contribute to meaningful discussions and help create positive change within the community,” she said.
She said issues such as mental health, education, employment opportunities and the rising cost-of-living were among the concerns many young people wanted decision makers to pay more attention to.
“There is also a strong desire for young people to be genuinely included in conversations about policy, rather than being consulted only after decisions have already been made,” she said.
According to Saniya, it was important for young people to have a voice because decisions made today would directly affect their future.
“I hope people see that young people are engaged, capable, and genuinely invested in the future of our communities,” she said.
“Programs like Youth Parliament show that young people are willing to step up, contribute ideas, and work collaboratively to address important issues.”
Other participants include Avash Shakya from Riverton representing the Riverton electorate, Harrison Swinbourn from Kenwick representing Cannington, Jessica Loader from Harrisdale representing Armadale, and Obed Kipkemboi Kibet from Harrisdale representing Oakford.
The program will conclude at Parliament House where participants will debate their proposed bills in a live chamber setting.
