100 Primary School Children Takeover Parliament To Have Their Say
Students from across Victoria will meet in State Parliament legislative assembly chamber today to discuss young people in politics.
Education Minister James Merlino will address the Primary Schools’ Parliamentary Convention, the topic of which is “young people’s voices are not heard in Australian politics”.
The Convention is a one-day facilitated conference for approximately 100 Years 5 and 6 students. It brings together students from government, Catholic and independent schools across Victoria to discuss and debate issues that are important to their school communities.
The convention is part of the Victorian Students Conventions Program, a partnership between the Department of Education and Training, the Catholic Education Office Melbourne, Independent Schools Victoria and the Parliament of Victoria.
The Andrews Labor Government is establishing the Education State, with the 2015-16 Victorian Budget investing almost $4 billion in Victoria’s education and skills system – representing the single biggest boost to education funding in Victoria’s history.
The Budget provides $325 million to renovate, refurbish or rebuild 67 schools. It will fund the first stage of an extensive asbestos removal program so that families can be assured their children are being educated in safe schools. It also includes $180 million for programs that will help families cover the extra costs of education, like camps, excursions and uniforms, so no child misses out.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“Engaging students and young people in our democracy is vital so we can take their views into account in our policies and so they learn the value of being an active citizen. Inviting students into parliament provides an opportunity for them to experience the political heart of our state.”
“The Labor Government is committed to Victoria becoming the Education State, and students have a real say in what that looks like. They must have a voice in schools and in how the education system works more broadly.”
“We’re investing almost $4 billion to make Victoria the Education State, so every community has a great local school and every child gets the chance to succeed.”