Queensland students visit Canberra

Twenty-five students from across Queensland will meet the Governor-General and federal parliamentarians during three days in Canberra this week as part of the National Schools Constitutional Convention.

Education Minister Kate Jones congratulated the 25 young Queenslanders who were elected by their peers from 12 Schools Constitutional Conventions held throughout Queensland in February.

“The National Schools Constitutional Convention is an opportunity for senior secondary students to experience first-hand some of the workings of our government and legal system,” Ms Jones said.

“In Queensland 145 schools participated in the 12 conventions held in February, with more than 580 Year 11 and 12 students attending.

“Most of the 25 students who were elected to travel to Canberra addressed their peers on the topic Australian Federalism: States’ Rights versus National Priorities. Indigenous students chose from two topics: A treaty with Australia’s First Nations Peoples or Constitutional recognition of Australia’s First Nations Peoples.

“Of the 25 going to Canberra, 10 are Indigenous delegates who attended one of three conventions held specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

“This is an initiative, started in 2005, which is unique to Queensland to enhance civics education and leadership opportunities for Indigenous people.”

Over three days in Canberra, the students will attend receptions hosted by the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Prime Minister Tony Abbott, view Australia’s original 1297 edition of the Magna Carta and dine at the High Court of Australia.

At National Schools Constitutional Convention sessions they will hear from keynote speakers, formulate and vote on a plebiscite and prepare a communiqué summarising the result and their conclusions on the topic Checks and balances: do we need an Australian Bill of Rights?

Ms Jones said the Schools Constitutional Conventions were an established and important extension of senior school programs.

“More than 2500 students have participated in 20 National Schools Constitutional Conventions and upwards of 100,000 students have participated in the state, territory and regional conventions,” Ms Jones said.

Emma Smith (Minister Jones’ Office) 0417 405 879