Politics in school

Last Wednesday, 1st May, after the Grade 6 visit to Mooroolbark Secondary College, the senior school hosted two very special guests – Mr Aaron Violi MP (Member for Casey) and Hon. Milton Dick (Speaker of Federal House of Representatives, Member for Oxley QLD).

The guests spoke with the Grade 5s and Grade 6s about parliament, government and politics. We discussed the difference between local, state and federal government and what their purpose is and responsibilities are. 

The opposing politicians (Violi is Liberal and Dick is Labor) set up a Question Time and a Voting scenario – complete with robes, cloaks and a mace! Hannah was our Speaker of Arms, Tameka was our Guard, and Luke and Gabby were the mace holders.

We learnt all about the very expensive and posh(!) missing mace which still holds a $40,000 bounty, pinched by American sailors early 1900s. King Edward gifted the Australian Government a new one. We learnt about how, in the olden days, the Speaker of the House could be executed if the King thought he wasn’t doing a good job. We learnt about how some of the rituals still occur (but not the violent ones).

Mr Violi and Mr Dick were very interesting and engaging guest speakers. We were very interested to see how politicians from opposing parties worked together to present this information to us. Honestly, we thought they would argue – but they were very cooperative. Students from Grade 5 and Grade 6 asked pre-organised questions, many on hard hitting issues. Levi asked about managing stress levels and Phenix asked about medical facilities in our region. Mr Violi and Mr Dick commented on our respectful enthusiasm, positive behaviour and intelligent questions.

At the close of the session, Bimbadeen Heights Primary School received a certificate of recognition from Mr Violi and Mr Dick. Eliza and Zac thanked them for sharing their perspectives and valuable knowledge.

Grade 6EM