Each year the Council considers delegate nominations put forward by the parties of the Principals. Nominees are young Australians considered by their respective parties to have the potential to make a significant contribution to political life.

Delegates must be Australian citizens, party members and between the age of 25 and 46. The Council has a preference for the age limit to be a maximum of 40 (with the exception of the exchange programme with the United States of America where the age limit must be 40).

To maximise developmental opportunities, delegations comprise a representative, broadly-based group of young Australian political leaders. Delegates are selected from a range of political backgrounds including:

• members of federal and state parliaments;
• party organisations, both professional and voluntary;
• industry associations;
• trade unions;
• ministerial and electorate staff; and
• local government representatives.

Nominations must be forwarded to the Council through political parties’ secretariats / nominated offices.