National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC)   

Last week I was given the wonderful opportunity to participate in the 28th National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra. I spent 3 days amongst 115 students from around Australia experiencing an adventure full of exciting activities. On the first day we travelled to Parliament House and sat in the House of Representatives to watch Question Time live. It was captivating to observe the different responses from politicians on important topics and issues concerning Australian society. Some topics that were brought up included the government’s investment in the AUKUS Ships, the rising cost of living, the effects of methane on climate change, the housing crisis and recent controversial events that happened at a protest in Melbourne. We were also given the opportunity to speak with some local MP's in Parliament house after question time. 

On the second and third day, a lot of our time was spent in the Museum of Australian Democracy, which is located in Old Parliament House, where we had discussions in working groups related to the information presented by keynote speakers who spoke on various topics related to the constitution, particularly section 128, which outlines the process of referendums in Australia. We learned about the history of the constitution, about certain issues that might relate to the current process we have in place for a referendum and whether section 128 could be considered fair for all Australians. We also learned about The Voice to Parliament; a referendum we’ll have to vote on at the end of this year (for those of us who will be 18 by then!), and what referendums look like in other nations (specifically Canada and New Zealand). 

The working group discussions we had in Old Parliament House were a particular highlight for me as I loved meeting so many new people and having deep conversations with other students my age about interesting topics. I learned so much from others and loved hearing so many different perspectives! We also spent dinner on the second night in the High Court whilst listening to a speech from the ACT 2022 Young Australian of the Year, Sean Dondas, hearing his life story, and how he is now supporting young people going through difficult circumstances through CanTeen. 

I also enjoyed our visit to Government House where we met the Governor General and his wife, who gave an address to us as students of the convention. I met so many amazing students from around Australia who made the whole experience all the more memorable! I was also lucky enough to bump into my local independent MP for my electorate Zoe Daniel, who was on the same flight to Melbourne as the Victorian delegate group! To those who will be in year 11 and 12 next year, I cannot recommend enough that you apply to be a part of this Constitutional Convention (or any opportunities that lie out there for you), it will be a highlight of your year and you will walk out of it as a wiser, more knowledgeable learner!

Martha S

Year 12 St