Eighteen-year-old law student Madison Spencer has been elected as South Australia’s 32nd Youth Governor after receiving the support of her fellow participants at the 31st South Australian Youth Parliament.
The appointment places Spencer in a year-long representative role where she will work with government and community leaders while advocating on behalf of young South Australians.
Spencer was chosen by her peers at the end of the annual Youth Parliament program, a week-long initiative that gives young people first-hand experience of parliamentary processes by using the State Parliament as a practical training environment. The program is delivered by YMCA South Australia with support from the Department of Human Services, which has allocated $100,000 in funding for the 2026 calendar year.
Her election follows three years of involvement in Youth Parliament, where she has taken on a range of leadership positions including Youth Minister for Accessibility and Human Services, Deputy Leader in the Youth Legislative Council and Opposition Whip in the Youth House of Assembly.
Alongside her community work, Spencer has begun studying a double degree in law and international relations, and political science with honours at Flinders University. Before university, she attended Adelaide Botanic High School and later completed her secondary education at University Senior College. During her final years at school, she was active in the South Australian Student Representative Council.
Spencer has also been involved with UN Youth South Australia since 2023 and now helps deliver educational programs and competitions aimed at encouraging civic participation among young people.
South Australia’s Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, Katrine Hildyard, congratulated Spencer on her appointment, describing it as recognition of years of commitment to advocating for young South Australians.
Hildyard said the Youth Governor position gives young leaders an opportunity to represent their peers, engage directly with decision-makers and contribute to discussions on issues affecting younger generations.
She said Spencer’s progression through various leadership roles within Youth Parliament reflected her dedication and development over several years, adding that she expected her to represent young South Australians strongly during her term.
Hildyard also praised the wider Youth Parliament cohort, saying the ideas and commitment shown by participants demonstrated the value of investing in civic education at a time when democratic participation remains an important public priority.
Youth Parliament programs operate in several Australian states and territories, offering participants experience in debating legislation, public speaking and policy development. While the Youth Governor role is ceremonial rather than legislative, it provides opportunities for engagement with government, community organisations and youth-focused initiatives.
Speaking after her appointment, Spencer said she was honoured to represent a program that had supported the education and advocacy of thousands of young South Australians, including herself.
She said she looked forward to working alongside Youth Parliament participants to hear a wide range of experiences, develop practical ideas and connect young people with stakeholders and educational opportunities that could support their leadership journeys.
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