2024 Northern Legal Studies Youth Parliament (Cairns and surrounds)

Give your Legal Studies students the opportunity to experience law-making first hand!

The Northern Legal Studies Youth Parliament, held in Cairns, is a unique experience that provides students with the opportunity to explore and deepen their understanding of role government has in shaping law in Queensland. Taking place in a mock chamber, students take to the floor to:

•  debate a mock bill, or
•  provide a private members' statement or speak in an adjournment debate about an issue facing their local community or Queensland at large. 

Youth Parliament is hosted by the Queensland Parliament, and will be chaired by the Speaker, the Honourable Curtis Pitt MP. 

                                                               2023 Legal Studies Youth Parliament, Brisbane. 

How many students can I nominate?

Schools are invited to nominate up to a maximum of ten students who are: 

• in Year 11 or 12, and 
• currently studying Legal Studies.

The final number of student participants allocated per school will depend on the number of schools that nominate. As we want as many schools to take part as possible, it is not guaranteed you will receive the number of nominations you request.

What is the commitment for teachers and students?

For teachers

All teachers are required to attend one online briefing session via Microsoft Teams. 

At the briefing we will share information on:

• how the half-day Youth Parliament will run 
• allocations 
• key roles and responsibilities 
• important administrative requirements. 

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and seek advice about preparing for the event.

Teachers will also be required to: 

•  support their students prior to the Youth Parliament, and 
•  collect and submit the required paperwork to us by the due date. 

For students 

As Youth Members, students will need to be committed to prepare a one-minute speech to present on the day. Students also need to follow parliamentary etiquette.

Teachers and students should arrive on the day of the Legal Studies Youth Parliament by 8:30am, to be ready for the start of the 9:00am briefing.

  A Youth Member standing to deliver a speech at the 2023 Legal Studies Youth Parliament, Brisbane. 

! Additional important information

Parents or caregivers will be required to complete a Photo Consent Form as students may be photographed or filmed by Queensland Parliamentary Service staff and the media. 

Parents or caregivers are also able to attend on the day to view their child speak.