Local Federal Member for Oxley Milton Dick MP this week launched the Oxley Parliamentary School Program with a group of year 7 students at The Springfield Anglican College.

The program is designed to give students who may not have an opportunity to travel to Canberra to see Parliament in action a chance to participate in their own House of Representatives debate in the classroom.

Mr Dick said the launch of the program was a huge success.

“It was fantastic to see the students really embrace the program and act out a debate on a bill to ban homework.

“Not only did the students do a tremendous job, but they also showed respect towards one another as they debated the merits of the bill.

“After much debate between the parties and crossbench, the bill to ban homework was defeated”.

Complete with students acting out the roles of Speaker, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and members of parliament, the program allowed students to experience how the passing of legislation is implemented and how the country is governed.

“I want to specifically thank the teachers and staff led by Principal Darren Pitt at Springfield Anglican College for participating in the first Oxley Parliamentary School Program.

“All students and teachers are to be commended on their fantastic participation in the program.”

The program will soon be rolled out to other schools across the electorate.

Please contact the Oxley electorate office on 3879 6440 or email Milton.Dick.MP@aph.gov.au if your school is interested in participating in the program.