Member for Ballarat Catherine King is encouraging high school students in the Ballarat electorate to enter the “My First Speech” Competition.
This national competition challenges students in years 10, 11 and 12 to imagine themselves as newly elected Members of the House of Representatives and to record a 90-second speech on video, focusing on a topic of their choosing.
The competition provides students with the chance to learn more about the way our nation’s democracy works. It also encourages students to identify and highlight the issues that affect them and their community.
Three competition winners from across Australia will be flown to Canberra with their parent or guardian to deliver their speeches live at Parliament House.
The winners will also have the opportunity to participate in a program tailored to deepen their understanding of the legislative process.
The submission deadline for the competition is 5pm on 11 August 2023.
To learn more about the competition and submit their entries, students can visit the dedicated competition website: www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech.
Quotes attributable to Member for Ballarat Catherine King:
“In my first speech in 2002 I spoke of how our regional communities were facing up to challenges and thriving, and how proud I was to be the first woman to hold the seat of Ballarat.
“Whether it’s the environment, mental health or education, the “My First Speech” competition is a unique opportunity for local students to shine a national spotlight on the issues that matter most to them.
“I encourage our local students to take this opportunity to engage with how our parliament and democracy works. The young people who participate in this competition will be our future leaders, and I can’t wait to see their first speeches.”
