This week, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Milton Dick MP is in Tasmania as part of the Parliament in Schools program.
Students will learn about federation, democracy and the Australian Parliament, as well as hear first-hand from the Speaker and their local member on what a typical day looks like in their electorate and when they are in Canberra for sitting weeks.
Over three days, the Speaker will visit:
- King Island District School, Currie – with the Member for Braddon, Gavin Pearce, on Monday 5 June,
- Perth Primary School, Perth – with the Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell, on Tuesday 6 June,
- Westbury Primary School, Westbury – with the Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell, on Tuesday 6 June,
- Ravenswood Heights Primary School, Ravenswood – with the Member for Bass, Bridget Archer, on Wednesday 7 June, and
- Riverside Primary School, Riverside – with the Member for Bass, Bridget Archer, on Wednesday 7 June.
'All students, regardless of their location should have the opportunity to experience a Parliamentary Education Office program,' Speaker Milton Dick says.
'One of my biggest priorities is to increase the accessibility of civics education'.
'These are our future leaders, it is so important we empower school students with the knowledge, skills and values so that they can go on to be active and informed citizens.'
About the Parliament in Schools program
Launched last year, 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 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.