St Mary’s College has announced that Year 11 student Katie Spinks has been selected to represent the electorate of Parkes at the 2026 National Youth Parliament.
Delivered by the Department of the House of Representatives in partnership with Y Australia, National Youth Parliament will bring together 150 secondary school students from across the country to Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House) for an immersive five-day experience.
Participants will enjoy hands-on experiences, including simulated parliamentary debates, workshops with political leaders, and real-world policy discussions. They will gain a deeper understanding of how parliament works and how laws are developed and passed.
The program empowers young Australians with the knowledge, confidence and skills to actively participate in Australia’s democratic and parliamentary system.
National Youth Parliament received more than 2200 applications across Australia, reflecting strong interest in civics and public policy among the next generation.
Principal of St Mary’s College, Nicole Prior, said the school was proud to see Katie selected.
“This is a fantastic achievement for Katie and a wonderful opportunity to develop their leadership skills, confidence and understanding of how our democracy works,” Mrs Prior said.
CEO of Y Australia, Alexandra Ash, said the Y prides itself upon being a leading platform for youth leadership, civic participation and youth-led change, while also giving young people a genuinely meaningful experience that helps them grow in confidence, capability and voice.
“We can’t wait to join our 150 young Australians in Canberra as they debate ideas, help shape policy thinking and bring their perspectives into broader conversations about social issues,” she said.
National Youth Parliament will be held from Sunday to Thursday, August 16 to 20. The initiative plays an important role in strengthening civics education, giving young people the opportunity to better understand Australia’s political system and have a voice on the issues that matter to them.
