Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is inviting students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to enter the My First Speech competition, an opportunity to put themselves into the shoes of a newly elected Member of Parliament, organised by Speaker of the House of Representatives the Hon Milton Dick MP.
“Young people are our nation’s future workers, business owners and leaders.
Their stake in our future is vital and it is important to ensure their voices and concerns are heard and met,” Mr McCormack said.
“The ‘My First Speech Competition’ is a wonderful opportunity for young people in the Riverina and Central West to show their interest in the democratic process, the Federal Parliament and the issues that matter to them most, whilst also encouraging further interest and participation in our political debate.
“The competition mimics the tradition of a Member of Parliament’s first speech, whereby each new Member outlines their goals and vision for their time in office, and highlights their main concerns for their community and electorate.
“Students are asked to write a 90-second speech, record a video of them delivering it, and submit it to the My First Speech website www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech.
“A winner from each school year will then be selected and flown to Canberra to present their speech live and participate in a program of meetings at Parliament House.
“My office has sent all high schools in the electorate instructions on how to enter and the rules of the competition. For more information, students and teachers can visit the My First Speech website.
Mr Dick said a priority of his was to promote parliamentary education. “This is yet another exciting way that young people can take an active role in our democratic system,” Mr Dick said.
Entries close at 11.59pm on Saturday 27th July.