Ipswich’s next generation of leaders had the chance to step inside the world of government today, as a partnership between Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding and Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member for Oxley, the Hon. Milton Dick MP, facilitated a local version of the federal Parliament in Schools program here in Ipswich.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding welcomed Mr Dick and 100 school children from 26 schools to the Council Chambers to learn about democracy first-hand.

“This was an incredible opportunity for Ipswich schools to learn about democracy and good government, subjects that I am extremely passionate about,” said Mayor Harding.

“When children understand how our governments work, they become more likely to actively engage with government and make their voices heard as adults. 

“It was a pleasure to partner with the Speaker, a veteran politician, in a bi-partisan initiative to give students a peek into political life, making civics education accessible to more of Ipswich’s young people.

“There may be a future Prime Minister, Premier or Mayor in our schools just waiting to be inspired.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member for Oxley, the Hon. Milton Dick MP, launched the national Parliament in Schools program in September 2022 with a focus on making civics education accessible to students regardless of their location.

“One of my biggest priorities as Speaker is to increase the accessibility of civics education. Every student should have the opportunity to learn about democracy and the parliament, whether they are able to travel to Canberra or not,” said Mr Dick.

“So far, I have had the opportunity to travel to some of the most remote schools in Australia and work with Federal members across the nation to deliver the Parliament in Schools program.

“Today, I enjoyed working with Mayor Harding to deliver this important program to Ipswich students. We spoke about federation, democracy, and the Australian Parliament, as well as what daily life is like as a Member of Parliament in their electorate, and during sitting weeks in Canberra.”

The Parliament in Schools program is a bi-partisan initiative to make civics education accessible to all students. The program content is tailored to students’ grade level and was open to primary and secondary school students.