People as young as 16 should be allowed to vote in NSW elections and the issue should be debated in Parliament, Labor MP Jodi McKay says.

In her first speech to Parliament as the Strathfield MP on Wednesday evening, Ms McKay said young people often held strong political views but were denied the right to take part in the democratic process.

Strathfield MP Jodi McKay: "I see allowing 16- and 17-year-olds the opportunity to have a say as simply the ongoing extension of democracy in our community''. Credit:Brockwell Perks

"One of the biggest disappointments during the [election] campaign was the general disinterest and lack of engagement of young women," Ms McKay said.

"Yet if you peruse social media platforms ... they are ablaze with ideas, with views and commentary."