Give your Year 5 and 6 students the opportunity to experience how parliament works first-hand.

The Ipswich Youth Parliament is a unique experience that allows Queensland students to consider the processes and roles of government in shaping law in Queensland. Taking place in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, students take to the floor to:

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

Youth Parliament is hosted by the Queensland Parliament and will be chaired by the Speaker, the Honourable Patrick (Pat) Weir MP.

A Youth Member standing to deliver a speech at the 2022 Ipswich Youth Parliament.

Who can take part?

All Queensland primary schools located in the electorates listed below are eligible to nominate up to 10 x Year 5 or 6 students:

Bundamba
Inala
Ipswich
Ipswich West

Jordan
Lockyer
Moggill
Mount Ommaney

Scenic Rim
Southern Downs
Toowoomba North
Toowoomba South

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:

the Youth Parliament program,
the allocation process,
key roles and responsibilities, and
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:

attend and supervise their students at the Youth Parliament,
support their students prior and during 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 1 or 2 minute speech to present on the day. Some students will be allocated scripted or non-speaking roles.

Students also need to follow parliamentary etiquette.

Youth Members participating in the 2021 Brisbane East Youth Parliament.

! 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.