State Parliament work experience

Karla Shanley one of our School Captains recently completed a coveted work experience program at the State Parliament. Here Karla shares with us the reflection that she wrote for the Parliamentary newsletter 'On Notice'.

On notice newsletter

Karla Shanley, the first work experience student in two years (21st-25th February 2022)

To say that my week in parliament was illuminating, would be a grim understatement. Aside from grasping the concept that parliament and government are separate, I think I gained an indescribable amount of perspective.

Although I didn’t know it yet- when I first stumbled my way into the many entrances of parliament, I was lucky enough to have Brenda Kittelty (the Serjeant-at-Arms office coordinator) as my mentor for the week. With an impeccably planned timetable and subtly coloured hair she has been my guiding light. 

I spent my first portion of the week in the green carpeted floors of the legislative assembly. Whilst watching question time, I was struck by how ironically small the viewing gallery is for a house ‘of the people’. Full of church pews and about the width of a corridor. 

The legislative council chambers on the other hand, startled me with its diversity of political cross sections. Containing only 40 people- it seems to be a microcosm of Victoria. And as for what I witnessed- I can only say that anyone with a stake in duck hunting season should get involved. I also spent some time with the clerks, and Keir Delaney (the assistant clerk in the council) introduced me to the Presidents Rulings- a rule book of what is essentially a highlights reel of best banned insults said in parliament.

Spending some time with the lovely ladies down at the Procedural Papers Office, you learn that passing a bill requires an omniscience about all forms of procedural antics; knowledge that most politicians themselves do not possess. 

Behind the glamourous gold-streaked façade, the people who run parliament are the ones who turn government from a bunch of angry people with opinions into an organised system of running a state. Phillip, who is the fastest walker I’ve ever attempted to keep up with on a mail run, provided me with all the salacious details about legendary journalists and media personalities he has encountered while working at the back door. Years of experience makes him a keen observer, and full of gems if you ask the right questions. 

Brenda had thoughtfully organised a multitude of morning and afternoon teas with members from my local electorates. I received many insights from the likes of Tim Read, Kat Theophanous, Sheena Watt, Fiona Patten, Samantha Ratnam, and president of the legislative council Nazih Elasmar. All of whom were incredibly kind in making time for a work experience student.

Meanwhile, the systems of parliament continue outside of the building. Across the road at St Andrews Place I learnt all about committees, and why everyone fights over conference rooms. Committees inform important laws and always end up producing large reports. Governments come and go, but you’ll always need a graphic designer. Amber Candy explained the importance of consistent colour palettes, and the fact that Victoria has a ‘brand’? Who knew?

My time with James Scott (the manager of Hansard) opened up the magical world of the broadcasting studios that bring the happenings of parliament to the people. Hansard is the parliamentary version of Big Brother, they watch and record everything that happens the moment the chambers go into session. Until you’ve seen it, it’s hard to imagine just how many skilled technicians are involved in streaming a live feed to the 90’s chic interface that is the parliamentary website. Not to mention the countless reporters that transcribe everything said. Watching them work is like poetry in motion, words seem to spring up on the monitor before them. 

On my last day I went with the Tours and Customer Services Unit to Pascoe Vale North Primary school, for an incursion. The educational part of this job seems to be something that was sorely missed. The grade 5/6 class was very involved and loved collectively groaning at the opposition in their mock debate. 

Despite my exhausting week and getting a little lost, I met many amazing characters and learnt much about how things actually get done in the state. It seems obvious but what surprised me most about my time here is how well everyone knows one another. Co-operation will take you far, and if you’re ever interested in the hilarious architectural history of columns in the Parliament Of Victoria- just ask Bronwyn in the tours department.