The 2026 Victorian Youth Congress has been announced for its eighth year, with a range of new members aged 12–25. Yet, its constant reshuffling and potentially limited effective role in government policies remains a concern for pushing meaningful and impactful youth political involvement.

On 15 June, Minister for Youth Luba Grigorovitch announced the congress’ members, “they don’t just advise—they deliver events and strategies,” she said, describing the role of the 20 young people.

The new congress members mark the eighth successful year of the Youth Congress. However, the congress’ effectiveness in actively developing Labor's five year youth strategy—particularly in its long term impacts on youth politics and shaping of Victoria’s policies—must be further considered. 

The congress was established in 2018 as a group of around 20 young Victorians who would collaborate to identify and advocate for important youth issues, providing a “pipeline” for advice and input directly from the youth to the government.

The congress works to ensure key steps towards Labor's five year youth strategy—a framework set out to improve life outcomes for those aged 12 to 25 and redefine how youth are involved in the decisions that affect them most. 

“Young people deserve a real seat at the table—and that's exactly what the Victorian Youth Congress gives them,” said Minister for Youth Luba Grigorovitch.

The congress also provides young people with the opportunity to be more involved in politics as well as gain professional development.

Diversity is prioritised in the selection process of the congress as it aims to ensure all Victorian voices are heard in decision making processes that affect them.

The congress notably created “YouthNav”, an interactive website designed in partnership with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

The website acts as a toolkit intended to help young Australians navigate important topics, such as getting a job and managing money. It is one of the first successful steps in directly addressing common issues that are often left unaddressed as it helps embed a youth voice in the development of government programs and policies.

Though the congress has helped facilitate youth involvement in politics whilst providing them the opportunity to have their say, their role is largely confined to youth issues alone.

Since the issues addressed are steps towards the five year youth plan, the congress is constrained in its ability to make decisions. Therefore, it could be seen as more of a figurehead group designed to show the government’s commitment to youth issues on their terms rather than genuine inclusion. 

Whilst the progress and longevity of the congress must be commended, its true effectiveness in transforming youth politics is difficult, if not impossible to measure as little is known about its resources, capacity and the extent of its influence in changemaking.

As living in Victoria becomes increasingly difficult for young people to navigate—created by cost of living issues, housing insecurities and more—the true effectiveness of the Victorian Youth Congress in invoking important change will depend on more than its ability to consult.

In operating within the framework of the five year plan, its ability to shape government policy remains an open question, yet the congress reflects an important pathway to youth perspectives being more effectively embedded in government decisions.

Image source: Parliament of Victoria