- How do I get involved in Youth Parliament?
- When is Youth Parliament?
- Where do the participants stay during Youth Parliament?
- Do the participants debate at Parliament House?
- Can I come and watch a participant at Youth Parliament?
- What is a bill?
- What is the Taskforce?
- Do participants need any training before they attend Youth Parliament?
- How much does it cost?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered? Feel free to email the Taskforce.
How do I get involved in Youth Parliament?
All Tasmanian schools with students in grades 10 or higher receive an invitation to enter a team in the Tasmanian Youth Parliament early in the year.
Sadly, applications for Youth Parliament 2010 have closed. Keep an eye out next year, or come down and watch debate at Parliament House.
When is Youth Parliament?
The six night residential component of Youth Parliament is usually held in the first week of the September school holidays, but it does vary from year to year.
To qualify for the residential camp, students also need to participate in intensive training sessions and maintain regular contact with their Taskforce Mentor. These sessions are generally held in May and July.
Where do the participants stay during Youth Parliament?
During the week of Youth Parliament, participants stay in hostel style accommodation. The camp program consists of a mix of parliamentary related training and recreational activities, some of which involve excursions within the Hobart area.
Participants also enjoy a 'mocktail' party with members of Parliament, along with a Governor's reception and a variety of other functions to allow contact with politicians and other government officials in a variety of settings.
Do the participants debate at Parliament House?
Youth Parliament sits for three days during the camp in the House of Assembly at Parliament House. Each team presents a Youth bill, modelled on bills presented to the Tasmanian Parliament and developed entirely by the students, with their Taskforce mentor, over the course of the year. Spirited debate is always guaranteed and to ensure an accurate expression of youth opinion, all voting is by conscience. Parliamentary procedures are followed closely, and Members of Parliament volunteer their services to act as Speaker of the House while Youth Parliament is sitting.
The bills that are passed become Acts and are presented to the Premier who distributes them to the relevant government departments for consideration and response.
Can I come and watch a participant at Youth Parliament?
Yes. All parliamentary debate is open to the public, and you can come and watch a participant debate, whether they are your child, student or friend. Details about this year's sitting schedule can be found on our website in the weeks leading up to the parliamentary session.
What is a bill?
A bill is a proposed piece of legislation that must be passed by Parliament before it can become an Act (and therefore a law). Over the history of the Tasmanian Youth Parliament, many bills have been debated on a wide variety of topics. Some of these include: euthanasia, decriminalisation of marijuana, regular compulsory driver re-testing, the extension of shop trading hours, abortion, parliamentary reform, smoking in public places, hemp for paper, home detention, free public transport, the introduction of a heroin trial program, gun law reform, decriminalising prostitution, organ donor-ship...and many more.
For example bills, check out the 2008 Youth Acts and Youth Motion.
What is the Taskforce?
YP is organised by a group of volunteers known as the Taskforce. All have participated in the program, and are experienced in Parliamentary procedure, training, camp organisation and supervision of large groups. The Taskforce is based in Hobart, but also has representatives in the North of the state who assist with team liaison.
Do participants need any training before they attend Youth Parliament?
Yes. In early May and early July, the Taskorce conducts training days for all teams. Topics covered include: how to write a bill, how our parliamentary system works, how a bill becomes an Act, the role of political parties and lobby groups in the parliamentary system, and leadership in Youth Parliament. Participants are also provided with a Training Kit.
Members of the Taskforce are also available throughout the year to meet with teams to provide further training or assistance as necessary.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the camp is around $200 per person, although this is subject to change. This covers accommodation, transport, a t-shirt and meals. In the past many participants have done some fund-raising to get the required funds, and in some special cases the school has funded them. Team sponsorship is also a possibility. The more creative the participants are in finding ways to fundraise, the less money comes out of their own pocket, and as such we strongly encourage individuals and teams to fundraise.
