Young people across the state will be able to debate the important issues and experience what it’s like to lead parliamentary process by applying to participate in the 2018 Victorian Youth Parliament.

The Andrews Labor Government is investing more than $100,000 to support this year’s Victorian Youth Parliament program, which encourages young people to participate, speak out and introduce mock Bills that could shape state legislation.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams MP, said Youth Parliament was a good opportunity for young people aged 16 to 25 and living in Dandenong to develop leadership skills and make a powerful contribution.

The Victorian Youth Parliament has helped to shape more than 25 Bills over more than 30 years, including laws on mandatory bike helmets, roadside drug testing and gun reforms.

Teams of young parliamentarians will draft, debate and vote on Bills during the three-day event in the Victorian Parliament’s parliamentary chambers in July.

Young Parliament Bills that pass during the week will then be presented to relevant government ministers for their consideration.

The young parliamentarians will also attend a YMCA intensive training camp in May, where they will develop their skills in relationship building, teamwork, public speaking and leadership.

The Victorian Youth Parliament program is one of the ways the Labor Government is helping young Victorians be engaged and be heard.

It is one of the initiatives of the Labor Government’s Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement in Victoria which focuses on amplifying the voices of young people, empowering them and increasing youth participation in government.

Applications are now open and close on Thursday, 8 March. For more information or to apply, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au.