More than 90 young people are stepping into Parliament House this week to debate the issues they believe will shape the state’s future.
The South Australian Youth Parliament, now in its 31st year, is giving participants aged between 15 and 25 the chance to experience the democratic process firsthand while tackling some of the biggest challenges facing their generation.
Delivered by YMCA South Australia and supported by the Department of Human Services through $100,000 in funding for 2026, the week-long program empowers young people to develop leadership skills, build confidence and have their voices heard on issues that matter most.
This year’s cohort includes 47 members of the YMCA Youth House of Assembly, led by Speaker Lucy McDonald, and 44 members of the YMCA Youth Legislative Council, led by President Alex Luczak.
Across six days, participants will debate a wide range of proposed legislation covering topics including artificial intelligence, health, transport, housing, human rights and sustainability.
Among the bills on the agenda are the Artificially Intelligent South Australia Bill 2026, Youth Homelessness Support Bill 2026, Health Literacy Empowerment Bill 2026, Human Rights Bill 2026, Aboriginal Peoples Healthcare Equity Bill 2026 and the Go with the FLOW (Farming, Local and Output Water) Bill 2026.
Participants began the program with a two-day leadership and parliamentary training weekend before moving into a full parliamentary sitting, where they’ll put their new skills into practice through debates, speeches and committee work.
Minister for Human Services Katrine Hildyard shared, “Youth Parliament gives young South Australian leaders a genuine taste of the democratic process in a supportive environment.
“It’s excellent to see these diverse leaders passionately articulating what’s really important to them, their community and the world around us, directly connecting with political leaders and decision-makers and building the confidence and skills as our state’s next generation of changemakers.”
31st Youth Governor of South Australia Charlie Caldwell said, “Youth Parliament gives young people a space full of likeminded individuals to advocate for their community across policy areas.
“The program is full of future decision makers and professionals that see a positive way forward for the future, having deep and valuable insights to ongoing national conversations.
“Youth Parliament is not just a place of advocacy and learning; it’s a place of togetherness where young people can hear from each other and diversify their world view.”
YMCA South Australia CEO David Paterson added, “We’re incredibly proud of this year’s participants and can’t wait to see the energy and ideas they bring to Parliament House this week.”
The week will conclude on Friday with one of the program’s most anticipated traditions, the announcement of the 32nd Youth Governor of South Australia, marking the next chapter in a program that has been inspiring young changemakers for more than three decades.
