Get ready for the Gold Coast Youth Parliament!

About the event

Youth Parliament is an exciting opportunity for students to deliver a speech in a parliamentary setting about any issue falling within the jurisdiction of the Queensland Parliament. 

Date: Friday 27 March 2026

Location: Parliament House, Brisbane

Cost: Free

Hosted by:  Queensland Parliament, chaired by Members of Parliament

Open to: All primary schools in the state electorates of...

  • Bonney

  • Broadwater

  • Burleigh

  • Coomera

  • Currumbin

  • Gaven


  • Mermaid Beach

  • Mudgeeraba

  • Southport

  • Surfers Paradise

  • Theodore

Students who are allocated a speaking role either:

  • debate a motion,
  • speak in an adjournment debate, or
  • deliver a private members' statement on an issue within the jurisdiction of the Queensland Parliament.

Some students will be allocated a non-speaking or scripted role.

Program:

Time: 9.00am Registration
9.30am Student Briefing
10.00am Official opening
1.30pm Close and photos

How to participate

Each school is invited to nominate up to a maximum of 10 students from Year 5 and 6. The number of student participants allocated per school will depend on the number of schools that nominate for the Youth Parliament.

Nominations for this event have now closed.

To be advised of future opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Humanitix.

What next?

1. Visit our Youth Parliament Key Resources page

2. Be ready to attend a teacher briefing

A briefing session for teachers will be held via MS Teams video conference. Teachers are to attend one session on either of two available dates:

  • 3.30pm - 4.15pm on Tuesday 24 February 2026, OR
  • 7.30am - 8.15am on Wednesday 25 February 2026

A teacher from each participating school is required to attend one of the briefings, to receive details of the program and other operational and administrative matters.

Click here to download the slides from the Teacher Briefing.

3. Prepare and support your students

  • Students will need to prepare a one-minute speech to present on the day. You may find this student information booklet helpful as you prepare the students.
  • Please download, complete and return the Participant Details form before 4.00pm on 12 March.
  • Collect Photo Consent from a parent or guardian for each participating student.
  • Share the provided Registration link (supplied via email) with families, so students' supporters can register to attend on the day.
  • Please note, there is no cost to attend, but guest registrations close at 5.00pm on Tuesday 17 February.

4. On the day:

  • Arrive in time to register by 9.00am and be seated ready for the 9.30am student briefing.
  • Each student needs to bring 2 x copies of their speech, printed on A4 paper: One copy to be handed to an Attendant after delivering their speech. One copy as a spare. Palm cards are not recommended.
  • Pack a water bottle and, if you are travelling some distance, snacks for the trip. A substantial morning tea will be provided for students during the event. School staff and supporters will also be served refreshments including tea, coffee and finger food.
  • Students should avoid bringing large school bags - a small tote should be sufficient.

5. Information for parents and supporters attending:

  • Parents and supporters arrive at the George Street entrance of Parliament House, opposite the City Botanic Gardens.
  • Students and teachers will be invited to enter the building first, from 9.00am.
  • Parents and supporters can enter any time after 9.20am, or once all schools have completed their registration and gained entry.
  • Security staff will indicate how to access the public gallery so you can view the Youth Parliament proceedings.
  • The event begins with a student briefing at 9.30am.
  • The Youth Parliament opens at 10.00am.
  • No food or drink (other than water) is permitted inside the building.
  • Once you are in the gallery you may capture photo and video.
  • You are also welcome to take photos on the Speaker's Green.
  • No photos are permitted of the security entrance or staff.
  • Morning Tea will be served on the Speaker's Green from approximately 11.10am to 11.50am.
  • The Youth Parliament concludes at approximately 1.10pm but you are welcome to depart at any time.

 

For more information, contact...

Maria Mead
Parliamentary Education Officer
Email:  parliamentary.education@parliament.qld.gov.au  
Phone: 07 3553 6415