Winners of the My First Speech competition will present their speeches at Federal Parliament in Canberra. Photo: Jack Mohr.
Federal Parliament is opening its doors for the next generation of community leaders to voice their passions and get a glimpse of what it’s like to be part of the political process.
The My First Speech competition is open to students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to record a speech on a topic they’d like to raise as if they were a newly elected member of the House of Representatives.
The winners will then deliver their speeches on the chamber floor.
The topics don’t have to be nation-reaching but instead can focus on a local issue.
Federal Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips began her journey to representation in 2009 when she fought to save the Nowra Swimming Pool.
This resulted in the Save Nowra Pool Group successfully campaigning to have the $7 million Nowra Aquatic Centre built.
Mrs Phillips said she hoped local students would take up this opportunity and even offered to share some tips and advice with those who sought it.
“This is an opportunity for local young people to raise what’s really important to them on the national stage in the Australian Parliament. This is their voice,” she said.
“I really encourage local students to enter and can’t wait to see the winners speaking in parliament.”
Applicants will be shortlisted by parliament staff then judged by members of the House of Representatives.
One person from each year group will be picked and flown to Canberra with a parent or guardian to present their speeches live and undertake a program at Parliament House.
Entries for the competition close at 11:59 pm on 27 July.
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