Young Territorians invited to apply for the 2026 Northern Territory Youth Parliament – applications close May 24th
WHAT IS YOUTH PARLIAMENT?
Youth Parliament brings together young Territorians aged 15 to 25 from across the NT to explore real issues facing their communities.
Working in teams, participants develop Youth Bills or Petitions based on what matters most to them — informed by their lived experiences, connections, research and ideas. In the September school holidays, the program culminates in Youth Sitting Week at Parliament House in Darwin, where participants debate their ideas in a parliamentary setting.
WHY GET INVOLVED?
Youth Parliament is something special to be part of — it creates unforgettable memories, lifelong connections, and real opportunities for growth.
Through the program, you will:
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Strengthen teamwork and communication
- Connect with other passionate young people
- Learn about democracy and civic participation
- Share your voice on issues that impact your community
You’ll also be supported every step of the way by a dedicated volunteer Taskforce — a team of young leaders who help design and deliver the program.
WHAT DOES THE COMMITMENT LOOK LIKE?
Each participant will need to:
- Able to commit to fortnightly online workshops from May to September
- Be available to attend the week of Youth Parliament camp in Darwin | Saturday 19 – Friday 25 September 2026
- Participation fee costs $700 per person.
- Schools, councils and community groups are encouraged to sponsor the young people that are representing them in the program.
The Y NT is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not stop any young person from participating and will support young people and teams to find sponsors to cover their fee. Please get in contact with us at youthparliament@ynt.org.au
KEY DATES
- Applications close: Sunday 24 May
- Online workshops begin: Week 9, Term 2
- Youth Parliament camp: Saturday 19th – Friday 25th of September
WHAT DOES NON-PARTISAN MEAN?
Youth Parliament is political — but not party-political.
That means:
- We focus on issues, not political parties
- We create space for open discussion and diverse perspectives
- We are free from party bias or affiliation
The program encourages you to explore ideas, challenge thinking, and engage in respectful debate — without needing to align with any political party or agenda.
A PROGRAM FOR ALL YOUNG TERRITORIANS
Youth Parliament is committed to strong, diverse representation. We encourage applications from young people in regional and remote communities, and from all backgrounds and lived experiences.
This is a chance to step into a space where different perspectives are valued, and where you can learn from others while sharing your own.