Youth voice.
Representation.
A next step.

Jack Okill, independent journalist and host of Your First Vote and Let’s Talk Politics, has released further details of his Youth Voice and Representation Bill 2026 proposal after meeting with a federal Member of Parliament to discuss it.

Proposal in development. This release concerns Jack’s own advocacy. The proposal has not been introduced to Parliament and is separate from his independent reporting.

“The intention is not to transfer legislative power away from the elected representatives. It is to establish a genuine, consistent process through which young people can contribute before decisions are finalised.”

Jack Okill, in his proposal

A permanent place for youth voices

The proposal would establish a National Youth Council of Australia, with one National Youth Representative aged 14–17 from every federal electorate. Representatives would be selected through an open application process, with the local federal MP making the final appointment. They would remain independent in expressing young people’s views, rather than being required to follow their MP’s or a political party’s position.

Each representative would hold at least three public Youth Listening Posts each year. The proposal also calls for Commonwealth funding for two national Council meetings in Canberra annually, so participation is not limited by location or financial circumstances.

The Council would consider new Commonwealth legislation that substantially affects young Australians, consult communities and relevant organisations, and publish reports, recommendations and proposed amendments for parliamentarians to consider.

Consultation with a response

Under the proposal, the relevant Minister and the parliamentarian responsible for introducing legislation would provide a formal, evidence-based response to Council recommendations. A response from the Prime Minister would be sought only for significant national legislation the Prime Minister has personally addressed or publicly advocated.

For significant youth-impact legislation, the Council could request up to seven additional days for consultation, with the decision remaining with Parliament. An independent Youth Participation Commissioner is also proposed to consider procedural complaints about the Council and its consultation processes.

The Council would be advisory. It would not pass laws, independently move amendments or compel Parliament to adopt its recommendations. Elected representatives would retain legislative authority.

From research to parliamentary discussion

The initiative grew out of Jack’s Year 10 Commerce research into youth consultation around Australia’s social-media minimum-age legislation. It has since developed through informal discussions with students, educators and people involved in community advocacy and politics, including consideration of access for young people with disability.

Jack has now met with a federal MP to discuss the proposal and its development. The meeting is a step in that conversation, not an announcement of parliamentary endorsement or sponsorship.

The proposal remains preliminary and requires broader consultation, practical development and legal review before any potential parliamentary introduction. It is not an introduced Commonwealth bill or an official parliamentary document.

Seeking sponsorship for parliamentary access

Jack is exploring sponsorship for an Australian Parliament House (APH) sponsored access pass to support meetings, development of the proposal and his broader youth engagement work.

He is seeking to understand the sponsorship and application process. Sponsorship and a pass have not been secured; any application would be subject to the relevant eligibility, security and authorised-access requirements.

Media contact and next steps

Media outlets will be contacted shortly with further information. Jack’s communication channels are open now for media enquiries, interview requests, questions and feedback from young people, community organisations and parliamentarians.

Further updates will be published on this website and through Jack’s media channels as the proposal develops.

ENDS