Student voices to sound in capital

July 29, 2023 BY Tim Bottams

Podium primed: Damascus College student Lucas is one of about a dozen pupils from the school expected to enter the My First Speech competition. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS

WITH entries now open for Parliament of Australia’s annual My First Speech competition, Member for Ballarat, Catherine King is encouraging local students to get involved.

The competition tasks years 10, 11, and 12 Australian students with writing an oration that they might one day give as a newly-elected Member for Parliament.

Ms King said the program is about giving the future of Parliament a voice to speak about issues important to them.

“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,” she said.

“The young people who participate in this competition will be our future leaders, and I can’t wait to see their first speeches.

“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.”

Three chosen students will be invited to deliver their speech in Canberra and undergo a program based at Parliament House.

Damascus College year 11 student Lucas is aiming to make it to the national capital.

Having previously entered in the competition’s statewide equivalent known as the Victorian Parliament Prize, he’s is no stranger to articulating national issues.

From Elaine, Lucas said his speech will centre around the divide between rural and urban communities.

“Being somewhat of a rural student and having some of the disadvantages that affect rural students, I think that was heavily prevalent during COVID,” he said.

“You weren’t able to join classes because there just wasn’t internet and things like that. The access to resources and services are limited and it’s only 15 minutes outside Ballarat. I want to explore this Australia-wide.

“I’m looking forward to being able to express my opinion, an issue as an Australian, and hopefully to get it heard.”

Entries for My First Speech will close on Friday 11 August at 5pm.