Madonna Jarrett (Brisbane, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Calling all Brisbane students in years 10, 11 and 12: this could be you standing right here. Milton Dick, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has launched the My First Speech competition for schools right across the country. This national competition challenges students to envisage themselves as newly elected members of the House of Representatives, as a few of us here are, and write a 90-second speech focusing on a topic they are passionate about. The winning entrants from each group will be flown to Canberra to deliver their speeches in Parliament House and participate in an engaging program about the legislative process. The deadline for submissions for the competition is Monday, 15 September, so, if you think this could be you, pick up your pen and get writing.

In another initiative for young people, today the National Youth Parliament was also launched. The National Youth Parliament will bring together 150 senior schools, each representing one of Australia's federal electorates, for a five-day experience in Canberra. This program will provide 16- to 17-year-olds with a unique opportunity to explore aspects of the role of a member of parliament. You will learn about the parliamentary process, including how bills are drafted, debated and passed into law. If you're interested, get in touch with my office or your own local electorate office. It's a fantastic opportunity, and I encourage any young person within those age cohorts to get involved.

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