Bundaberg’s Seth Johnson has returned from Canberra after representing the electorate of Hinkler at the 2026 National Youth Parliament.
150 secondary school students from across Australia were selected to participate in the fully funded, five-day program designed to equip young Australians with the knowledge, confidence and skills to shape the future of their communities and the nation.
The Federal Member for Hinkler David Batt MP has congratulated Seth on being an exceptional leader and strong advocate for our region.
“Seth is a wonderful role model. It was great to spend some time with him in Parliament House, and I thank him for representing our region with such integrity and pride,” Mr Batt said.
“Through the program, held last month, Seth received firsthand experience of our parliamentary system while developing the skills to think critically, challenge ideas and listen to different perspectives.”
Seth is a 2026 School Captain and Year 12 student at Bundaberg State High School and a previous winner of the Premier’s Anzac Prize.
“National Youth Parliament has given me the ability to participate in our democracy. Over the week, I was able to learn about governance in Australia by watching parliamentary processes, debating mock bills, and interacting with officials,” Seth explained. I have made many friends from each corner of Australia. I have been able to engage with many of the other Youth Members and have learnt about the problems impacting each electorate. But one thing was very clear, the future of Australia governance is in very good hands.”
Seth helped unfurl the flag on the rooftop of Parliament House, participated in workshops, met with parliamentarians and presented a 90-second statement at the National Youth Parliament 2026 Adjournment Debate.
“I had the opportunity to speak about the devastating March 2026 floods. I spoke about the importance of allowing more regional, rural, and remote voices into parliament -through a committee – to discuss the effects of climate change and environmental destruction, as our regional communities are impacted the most from natural disaster events.
I informed the Federal Government about the impacts to our rich agricultural economy, the livelihood of our community, and the destruction of our endemic fauna and flora. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to be able to discuss this and to push them to act now.”
Bundaberg State High School Principal Belinda Arnold praised Seth on his achievements.
“Seth is an exceptional young man who has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to leadership, service and making a positive difference for others,” Mrs Arnold said.
“We are incredibly proud to see Seth take the opportunities available to him and use them not simply for his own growth, but to strengthen his voice as an advocate for young people and for his community. His selection for National Youth Parliament is wonderful recognition of the thoughtful, courageous and community-minded leader he has become.”
A nationally recognised leader in youth civic engagement, Y Australia, worked in partnership with the Department of the House of Representatives to deliver the program.
Y Australia’s research has revealed that almost eight in 10 (79 per cent) young Australians are very interested in democracy and the social issues affecting Australia, with more than four in five (83 per cent) becoming more interested over the past two years.
Despite this growing interest, one in five (22 percent) report not knowing how to get involved, and almost half (46.8 per cent) say they don’t believe the system gives them meaningful ways to be heard.
Y Australia CEO Alexandra Ash said the challenge isn’t a lack of interest.
“It’s ensuring our young people have genuine opportunities to participate and know their voices matter.”