Senior School

Politicians’ visits to GSG

Over the last few weeks Years Eleven and Twelve students have had the opportunity to quiz our State and Federal Government representatives. 

First to visit was the Hon. Mia Davies MLA, Central Wheatbelt. Leader of the Opposition; Shadow Minister for Regional Development; Finance; Electoral Affairs; Federal-State Relations; Public Sector Management; Women's Interests; Jobs & Trade. Ms Davies spoke passionately about representing her rural constituents, the life for women politics [“Wouldn’t it be nice not to have the questions on women in politics; where this was the norm and accepted as so”], her new role as Opposition Leader and the situation for the opposition in the current State parliament. 

Our next visit was from Ms Rebecca Stephens MLA, newly elected member for Albany and Acting Speaker. Ms Stephens spoke about the shared experiences of women in parliament, what it has been like as a new parliamentarian, the role of factions in political parties, the role of the media and enthusiastically about the value of young people committing to community service as a way to contribute to our communities [re homelessness – “everyone should have a house”].

Finally, Mr Rick Wilson MP, Federal Seat of O’Connor. Chair of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, Chair of Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources. Mr Wilson shared his experiences in representing such a large electorate [and even larger after the next federal election] with diverse components in agriculture, mining, urban centres and rural towns. He spoke warmly of the role of individual members of the Federal parliament in representing their constituents [“Politics is not a picnic”], the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the work of parliament, the impact of media scrutiny and his views on an Aboriginal voice in the federal parliament.

In addition, students raised challenging and stimulating questions concerning parliamentary culture - especially regarding women, climate change policies, government and ministerial accountability, whether Australia should become a republic, the effectiveness of parliamentary committees, of being accountable to their electorates, and, views on ‘one vote one value’. 

It was indeed a privilege to hear from our political representatives and we thank them for their time and generosity in sharing their views, beliefs and experiences. Most importantly, their presentations led to lively class discussions in the lessons that followed! All encouraged students to ensure their voice as young people is heard and to take up opportunities as they arise.

Mrs Meredith Wright | Head of Humanities and Social Sciences