Parliament Express

The Parliament Express program enables young writers to undertake an intensive program of learning and mentoring conducted jointly by Parliament of Victoria and Express Media.

Participants hear from members of parliament, journalists and parliamentary staff, finding out about the way parliament and our democracy function in practice. They select topics on parliament to write about and their articles are published on our website.

Twelve young writers were selected for the 2026 program and their articles are being published progressively. Scroll down to read them and articles from previous years.

2026 program articles

More than just a seat at the table

General | 23 September 2026

An individual encounter at a youth forum led to one young Victorian getting the opportunity to join a group of her peers and influence the outcome of a parliamentary inquiry.

Watching the watchdogs

General | 16 September 2026

As Victoria’s 60th Parliament draws to a close, members of a parliamentary watchdog say their work over the past four years has reinforced important accountability functions that are vital for strengthening public trust in the state’s democratic institutions.

Community voices making a difference

General | 13 September 2026

The lived experience of community members is playing an increasingly significant role in parliamentary inquiries, according to MPs on a key upper house committee.

Juggling the pressures of public life

General | 4 September 2026

Faced with heavy schedules and growing levels of online abuse, parliamentarians draw on a range of supports and tactics to meet the demands of the job.

Lived experience shaping parliamentary work

Society | 2 September 2026

For members of parliament tasked with scrutinising complex and deeply personal issues, lived experience can be just as valuable as political expertise.

Post, like, share: politics in a digital world

General | 27 August 2026

Digital connectivity and social media have transformed the way we communicate and access information, fundamentally changing the way in which members of parliament now engage with their constituents.

Honouring tradition, embracing change

General | 7 August 2026

As Victoria's Parliament marks its 170th anniversary in 2026, the milestone invites reflection on how it has evolved, the ongoing relevance of its traditions and what its future may hold.

2025 program articles

Imagining what parliament could be

General | 16 December 2025

Ask members of parliament what they would like to see changed about the way the institution operates and you get a variety of views.

Bridging the political divide

General | 7 December 2025

While the Victorian Parliament is often portrayed as a battleground of conflict, much of its work happens through constructive collaboration.

An age-old voting dilemma

General | 4 December 2025

Voting begins at 18, but with countries like the United Kingdom lowering their voting age, is there a desire or need for Victoria to follow suit?

Cross-party friendships supporting diverse communities

General | 28 November 2025

The cooperative work of parliamentarians across the political divide doesn’t always capture attention, but it does give a boost to community groups and Victoria’s international relations.

Matching education to our in-demand industries

Economy | 19 November 2025

As students across Victoria strive towards building skills for their desired career path, a group of parliamentarians is taking an interest in how to support students to follow a pathway into industries needing skilled workers.

Dealing with democracy’s disconnect

Society | 14 November 2025

Lack of youth participation in traditional political and parliamentary processes is a trend members of parliament are keen to address, including through a parliamentary inquiry on community consultation practices.

Understanding the coercive practices of high-control groups

Society | 3 November 2025

Evidence to a parliamentary inquiry is painting a picture of the extent to which high-control groups in Victoria use coercive and manipulative practices.

Parliament’s trusted resource

General | 20 October 2025

There are various ways in which members of parliament are supported in undertaking their representative roles, but for many one service in particular stands out.

Amplifying local voices

Society | 10 October 2025

While politicians have the final say in passing legislation, communities can play a crucial role in shaping the process through various forms of engagement.

Future forward, but user beware

Society | 3 October 2025

As the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more apparent in Australian workplaces, parliament is no exception with elected members navigating this technological shift.

Diverse pathways to parliament

General | 23 September 2025

With 128 Members of Parliament, there are 128 different stories about the pathways that MPs travelled to get them where they are today.

People, pressure and purpose: life as an MP

General | 18 September 2025

The rhythm of a politician's job changes day to day and comes with a lot of variety, according to three Members of Parliament who share some insights into their busy schedules.

2024 program articles

Diverse MPs reflect a changing Victoria

Society | 28 February 2025

Political representation is evolving with culturally diverse Victorians leading a big shift in recent years.

Invested in young people

General | 12 December 2024

Advocating for an issue at a young age led one Victorian to a career in politics.

Ritual with responsibility

General | 10 December 2024

Question time is often people’s first exposure to parliament and politics, but its continued relevance and role in our democracy is itself subject to questioning from time to time.

Budgeting for gender equality

Economy | 4 December 2024

By becoming the first state to embed gender impact assessment into legislation, Victoria has taken a significant step on the journey towards gender equality.

Better access to boost inclusion

Society | 27 November 2024

An action plan to improve the accessibility of Parliament for people with disabilities is reaching a new stage of implementation, with significant measures achieved already.

The room where it happens

General | 21 November 2024

A unique and vital part of Victoria’s system of government, Cabinet and its processes are unknown to many and have been subject to recent parliamentary and legal challenges.

Climate for change

Environment | 6 November 2024

From Mallacoota to Mildura, Victorians inhabit a piece of country long revered as a cradle of abundance, but as warnings for irreversible environmental change mount, so do calls for greater protection of the rich diversity found within the Garden State.

Feeding better student outcomes

Society | 29 October 2024

With more than 2 million Australian households impacted by food insecurity, either running out of food due to financial constraints or going entire days without eating, programs that address this growing concern have gained support from members of parliament.