Year 12 School Captain at Kingscliff High School, Archie Allsopp, has been selected to represent the electorate of Richmond at National Youth Parliament in Canberra.
In a media release by the NSW Department of Education, they say, ‘Delivered by the Department of the House of Representatives in partnership with Y Australia, Archie is one of 150 secondary school students from across the country who was selected from 2,200 applications nationally to attend the National Youth Parliament, Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House) for an immersive five-day experience in Canberra’.
‘Archie was selected through a multi-stage competitive process based on his civic participation, leadership, and community engagement.
‘Participants will enjoy hands-on experiences, including simulated parliamentary debates, workshops with political leaders, and real-world policy discussions and 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.
Relieving Principal of Kingscliff High School, Damien Borg, said the school was proud to see Archie selected.
‘This is a fantastic achievement for Archie and a wonderful opportunity to develop their leadership skills, confidence and understanding of how our democracy works,’ Mr Borg said.
‘Archie’s achievement reflects the aims of Inspire – High Potential and Gifted Education, the NSW Department of Education’s approach to strengthening opportunities for students to be challenged and supported in public schools’.
‘His selection for National Youth Parliament demonstrates high potential in leadership, civic participation and community engagement, particularly within the social-emotional domain, while the program’s focus on parliamentary debate, policy discussion and democratic processes provides an enriched opportunity to further develop his intellectual capabilities and talent.
‘Since taking on the role of school captain in Year 12, Archie said he has started to take a deeper interest in politics’.
One of the things I’m passionate about is improving opportunities for young people in regional parts of Australia, particularly by enhancing access to education, career pathways, and practical courses that can help young people reach their full potential,’ Archie said.
‘I hope this program will provide me with valuable insight into what a future in that area might look like.’
National Youth Parliament will be held from Sunday 16 to Thursday 20 August 2026.
To learn more, visit the National Youth Parliament website: https://nyp.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au/
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