Speaking Up on the National Stage

Year 11 student Ivy reflects on representing Kooyong at the inaugural National Youth Parliament program and the impact young people can have when they get involved.

One of 150 young people selected from a competitive process with more than 2200 applicants, Ivy travelled to Canberra to represent her electorate. Alongside peers from every federal electorate across Australia, she debated national issues, explored how laws are made and brought the perspectives of her local community to the national stage. Her participation in the program is the latest chapter in a growing commitment to civic engagement.

Ivy has represented young people's perspectives at the 2025 Kooyong Climate Candidates' Forum, spoken at RMIT University's Urban Climate Futures event and participated in the UN Youth Young Diplomats Tour in Athens.

For Ivy, these experiences reinforced the importance of understanding how democratic systems work and why active participation matters.

"Many young people reach voting age without fully understanding how Parliament works, how laws are made, or how elected representatives are held accountable," she said.

Her own journey began during the 2022 federal election, when she discovered the impact she could have through action.

"I realised how much influence young people can have when they choose to engage," she said.

National Youth Parliament provided an opportunity to put that belief into practice. Participants worked collaboratively with peers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, experiencing the importance of respectful debate, critical thinking and informed decision-making.

One lesson stood out at the end of the program.

"You don't have to be the loudest person to change someone's mind," she reflected.

Ivy speaks at the National Youth Parliament in Canberra. 

The experience challenged her to think critically, listen carefully to others and grow in confidence as a speaker. More importantly, it strengthened her belief that democracy relies on people who are willing to learn, contribute and take part.

"Meaningful change begins with people who are willing to become informed, participate and speak up for the issues they care about," she said.

For students wondering how to get involved, Ivy's advice is simple: start with your interests and strengths.

"Start small and think about what skills you already possess," she said. "Perhaps you're like me and enjoy art and creating things, maybe you're good at sport, or you like coding and technology. Search online and join a community that focuses on your area of choice."

While the challenges facing society can sometimes feel overwhelming, Ivy encourages young people to focus on where they can make a difference.

"The issues we're facing may seem endless, but they're all connected, like a giant sheet woven together! If you keep pulling on your own thread, then eventually the tapestry will unravel."

Looking ahead, Ivy hopes to pursue constitutional and public law and aims to inspire other young people to see their own capabilities.

“I hope to convince at least one kid that she’s capable of anything she sets her mind to.”

Ivy's journey is a reminder that informed, engaged citizenship creates opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to the world around us.