Speaker brings Parliament back to Ipswich students
Today, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Milton Dick MP, in partnership with Mayor Teresa Harding, hosted the second School Civics Program in Ipswich, bringing together more than 107 local student leaders from 30 schools at the Ipswich City Council Chambers.
The program gave the students the opportunity to discuss ideas, explore common concerns and build networks between schools.
The students learnt about the levels of government, the role of government and their rights and obligations as local citizens.
This is the second time the School Civics Program has been run for Ipswich students, after Speaker Milton Dick and Mayor Harding successfully delivered the first program early last year.
This program is a local adaption of the Federal Parliament in Schools program, launched in September 2022 by Speaker Milton Dick.
Quotes attributable to the Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives:
“This program comes at a particularly important time for civics education and engagement. We need to ensure we improve democracy literacy across the nation, and support needs to be extended to students regardless of their location.”
“It is incredibly important to me that the voices of our youngest citizens are heard and reflected in Canberra.”
“It is my priority as Speaker to increase the accessibility of civics education. Every student in Australia should have the opportunity to learn about democracy and the parliament, which is why we are bringing Parliament to Ipswich.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor Teresa Harding:
“It was a pleasure to partner with the Speaker, a veteran politician, in a bi-partisan initiative to give students a better understanding of how the different levels of government work.
“We know that less than half of Australian primary school students have proficient knowledge of the nation’s democratic institution and values. Informed students will make for more engaged citizens.
“Ipswich’s school children today were very enthusiastic and had the opportunity to ask questions and think about democracy and good government and I’m very pleased we were able to provide this opportunity.”
About the Parliament in Schools program
Launched in 2022, the Parliament in Schools program is a bi-partisan initiative to make civics education accessible to students regardless of their location. In collaboration with local federal members, the Speaker is visiting schools across Australia to bring parliament to them.
The program has visited over 145 schools and is an extension to well-established PEO onsite, digital and outreach education programs available to schools across Australia.
It also complements the existing PEO online and print resources that are curriculum-aligned, for Australian teachers and students.
Media enquiries
Office of the Hon Milton Dick MP
Natalie van Dartel
0418 149 761
natalie.vandartel@aph.gov.au
Mayor Teresa Harding
(07) 3810 6011
mayor@ipswich.qld.gov.au
