Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party) | Hansard source

I rise today to speak about the importance of civics education and why it's important to make sure that young Australians understand how our democracy works and why it matters. Our democratic system is often taken for granted. It's stable, familiar and deeply embedded in our national life. But that stability depends on each generation developing an understanding of how our system functions and the responsibilities that come with it.

Recently I had the opportunity to visit Dingley Primary School in my electorate of Isaacs along with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Milton Dick MP, as part of the Speaker's Parliament in Schools program and the Australian Parliament House National Flag Roadshow. This was the first time that the Speaker of the House of Representatives had visited south-east Melbourne in 125 years, making it a significant occasion for the school and the local community.

What stood out most was the energy in the room. The students were curious, thoughtful and full of questions. They wanted to know how laws are made, how parliament works and what members of parliament can do for their communities. A highlight of the visit was helping the students to unfurl one of the Australian flags that's flown from the 81-metre flagpole above this parliament. More than 100 students joined in, which sounds like a lot until you see a flag measuring 12.8 metres by 6.4 metres unfurled. Watching the students work together in that moment was powerful to me. It was about not only a national symbol but also cooperation and shared responsibility. It gave students a real connection to parliament and the institutions that belong to all Australians.

I also recently visited St Brigid's Primary School in Mordialloc to speak with grade 5 and 6 students about civics and citizenship. We discussed how parliament works, how laws are made and why democratic participation matters. On that visit, I brought a replica of the parliamentary mace. The students were fascinated by its design and history and by the role that it plays in the traditions of the House of Representatives. For many students, it was the first time they'd seen such a direct link to the traditions of parliament. Visits like this bring our parliament a little closer to the classroom, giving students a chance to understand the symbols, history and meaning of our democracy. The mace and the flag are more than ceremonial objects. They're reminders of the institutions and traditions that allow our democracy to function. These visits remind us of something important about Australia and our democracy. We're fortunate to live in a country where disagreement is resolved through debate, elections, laws and parliament, not through conflict or intimidation. When Australians want change, they can vote, speak up, campaign and take their case to their elected representatives. That is not something we should ever take for granted. It's something that young Australians should learn, value and carry forward.

Democracy relies on trust, participation and understanding. People need to know how to vote, why their vote matters and how decisions are made on their behalf. That's why getting young people involved is so important. At both Dingley Primary School and St Brigid's Primary School, I opened the floor to questions. In what has now become something of a tradition when I visit schools in Melbourne, the first question was the most important one, which was: 'Which AFL team do you support?' As a long-suffering Saints supporter, I gave them an honest answer, and, of course, I was immediately heckled! We also put democracy to the test, with a vote and a division to show how parliament works. I asked the students one of the most contentious questions in public life, 'Should we put pineapple on pizza?' The room divided on this question with laughter, raised eyebrows and the expressions of students who could not believe that their classmates had such bad taste, on both sides. While pineapple on pizza can produce very strong opinions, democracy took its course, and I can report, to my astonishment, that the 'no' vote prevailed at both schools. Apparently, pineapple on pizza is a stretch too far! These experiences reinforce the importance of civics education in and beyond the classroom. It's one thing to learn about parliament in theory. It's another to see its processes and symbols come to life.

Civics education teaches students how laws are made, how parliament works and why democracy matters. It helps young Australians understand participation, accountability, respect for the rule of law and engagement in public life. It also helps young people make sense of the world around them. Digital technology and social media mean young people are able to see more information than ever before. But not all of it is reliable. Learning how to think critically, check information and engage respectfully is essential. It's also about ensuring that young people see themselves as part of Australia's democratic story. When parliament feels real and accessible, students are more likely to remain engaged in civic life as adults. Visits to Dingley Primary School and to St Brigid's Primary School help bring parliament closer to the community. For many students, those experiences can stay with them. They show that democracy is not something distant or separate from their lives. It's something they are part of and help shape. The students I've met have given me immense confidence in the future of our democracy. Their engagement shows that young Australians are ready to participate when given the opportunity. We should not underestimate the importance of early engagement. A question asked in a primary school classroom today can be the first step towards a lifelong interest in community, leadership or public service.

I firmly believe that civics education matters immensely to the strength of our democracy. Civics, how our democracy works, should be taught in every Australian school. Young Australians should understand the institutions that serve them, the rights and responsibilities they hold and the role that they can play in their communities and in our national life.

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