Young people in the Parkes electorate who will be aged 16 or 17 in August 2026 are being encouraged to submit an expression of interest to participate in the National Youth Parliament 2026, an exciting opportunity to experience Canberra, politics, and the workings of federal government firsthand.

Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said the program gives young adults a unique insight into how Parliament functions and the process by which bills are drafted, debated, and passed into law.

“Young people in Broken Hill or Lightning Ridge or any other part of the Parkes electorate might feel they are a long way from where federal decisions are made,” Mr Chaffey said.

“This is an incredible opportunity to come to Canberra for the five-day program and take part in simulated parliamentary debates, workshops with political leaders, and look at real-world policy challenges.

"These young people are the people who could be making the big decisions in the future.”

Mr Chaffey urged students, as well as parents and teachers, to get involved and submit their applications.

“I encourage young people to put their hands up, and parents and teachers to support them in putting forward their expression of interest.

"I would love to see a student from Parkes in Parliament House for this program.”

Reflecting on the importance of fostering youth participation in democracy, Mr Chaffey told Western Plains App that he hoped for great representation for the Parkes electorate in the generations to come.

“The National Youth Parliament is a great way to get a head start,” he said.

“As I visit schools and talk to young people in the community, I become more and more hopeful about the future.

Young, keen and have an interest in parliament? Apply for National Youth Parliament 2026 and you may get an insider's view of how it all works.

"Our country will be in great hands.

"The people I have talked to about this program have been enthusiastic and are hopefully putting pen to paper to apply.”

The opening of the 2026 program was attended by Mr Chaffey and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Dick, who also highlighted the significance of the initiative.

“I am so proud that for the first time, the House of Representatives – the people’s House – will be hosting this great program here in Canberra,” Mr Dick said.

“The National Youth Parliament will give our young people a national platform to contribute to democracy and politics through a hands-on experience.

“Young people have a vital role to play in public discussion, and a youth parliament is a meaningful and sustained youth engagement model that we have seen across Australia and the Commonwealth.

“I look forward to welcoming students from all over Australia to develop their appreciation of civics, parliamentary debate and of course, strengthening our great democracy.”

The program is an initiative of the Department of the House of Representatives and Y Australia and will include 150 students — one from each federal electorate.

Expressions of interest for students in the Parkes electorate must be submitted by 21 November 2025.

“Expressions of Interest go directly to the program, so we don’t yet know how many people from the Parkes electorate have applied," Mr Chaffey said.

"What I do know is that Expressions of Interest need to be in by November 21, 2025, so I urge people to get those applications in."

For young people looking to take their first steps into politics, build confidence in public speaking, and gain hands-on experience in democracy, the National Youth Parliament 2026 offers an unparalleled

opportunity to make their voices heard and shape their future.

Applications close on November 21.

Information and applications are available here.