Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has addressed Australia’s inaugural National Youth Parliament, telling 150 young Australians that their voices have an important place in the nation’s democratic conversation.
Mr Albanese dropped in during lunch on Tuesday to speak to the participants, who have gathered in Canberra for the five-day program designed to give young Australians first-hand experience of Australia’s parliamentary system.
“It’s always inspiring meeting young Australians wanting to make our country a better place,” he said.
“Because every voice, from every corner of our country, helps shape Australia’s future.”
The National Youth Parliament was officially opened earlier in the week by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who has been a strong advocate for youth participation and civic engagement.
The program brings together 150 senior secondary students aged 16 and 17, with each participant representing one of Australia’s federal electorates.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick welcomed the strong support for the new initiative.
“It is such an honour to have such strong support for this brand new program, which is already giving these young people an opportunity to have their voice heard in Parliament House.”
The National Youth Parliament is being held in Canberra from 16 to 20 August 2026 and aims to equip young Australians with the knowledge, confidence and skills to participate actively in Australia’s democratic and parliamentary system.
Over five days and four nights, Youth Members will take part in simulated parliamentary debates, workshops with political leaders and real-world policy challenges.
They will also learn about how bills are drafted, debated and ultimately passed into law, gaining a practical understanding of the work of Parliament beyond the classroom.
Participants will use facilities at Australian Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House as part of the program.
All costs, including travel and accommodation, are covered by the program.
The initiative is being delivered by the Department of the House of Representatives in partnership with Y Australia, which has been running Youth Parliament programs for more than four decades.
The National Youth Parliament is intended to give participants from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to engage directly with Australia’s democratic institutions and develop the confidence to contribute to public life.
For the 150 young participants, the week offers a rare opportunity to move from studying democracy to experiencing Parliament first-hand — taking their seats, debating issues and making their voices heard at the heart of Australia’s political system.
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