The Southern Metropolitan Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is an opportunity for students and young Victorians aged 14-18 to engage with the political process, through a half-year program under which students can express their ideas, opinions, and needs with the people that represent them in the Parliament of Victoria.

It aims to provide students with the unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, develop leadership and critical thinking skills, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share an enthusiasm for shaping a better future.

Members will be chosen from applicants based on their leadership skills, interest in politics and government processes, and willingness to use this opportunity to learn and represent the interest of their peers. Each month, the YAC will convene to discuss issues important to members, develop potential solutions, provide feedback to one another, and build up their problem-solving and leadership skills.

Every month, a meeting of the YAC will be held to discuss the key issues on the minds of young Victorians. Together, students will have the opportunity to discuss these issues at length, propose solutions, and provide feedback to their peers.

Council members will have the opportunity to also meet community leaders, Members of Parliament, and Ministers, to help give them more insight into the political process from a variety of perspectives.

Students will also have an opportunity to visit the Parliament of Victoria and get a tour of the building, learning about the political process and the challenges facing Victoria.

The 2025 Southern Metropolitan Youth Advisory Council will run from the beginning of Term 2 until the end of Term 3, with monthly meetings with electorate officers, community leaders, Members of Parliament, and Ministers. At the end of this period, students will have the opportunity to submit a final report into an issue of their choosing, with proposed solutions based on what they have learnt over the course of the YAC.

Applications can be downloaded from here.

Alternatively, applications can be requested and submitted by emailing my office at john.berger@parliament.vic.gov.au and asking for a nomination form.

Nominations for the 2025 period now close April 28th.