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LNSC News
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15th State Constitutional Convention
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November 5, 2009
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Written by Dina Mansour & Mariam Badra
Each year throughout Australia, Regional Conventions, and then State Conventions are held to provide insights to high school students and raise awareness about political issues concerning Australians; in addition to an excellent experience for students, especially those interested in Law.
On Monday 19 of October, one-hundred students from around the state, including our own year 10 and 11 students: Talia, Dina, Mariam, Fatima, Jennifer, Zvezdana and Eshani, made it to this year’s State Constitutional Convention held at Parliament House, Melbourne. The Parliament house opened its doors to us at 8.30 in the morning, with time for us to register and get ready for the day ahead of us.
We first entered the Legislative Assembly with high expectations of what we were about to be a part of and sat in our seats anxiously waiting for the day’s proceedings to commence. We heard a welcome and introduction from Ms Anne Barker, the Deputy Speaker for Parliament of Melbourne, and the Minister of Education the Hon Bronwyn Pike. The topic we were introduced to was whether or not the preamble to the Australian constitution, should be changed. You probably never even heard about the preamble, but don’t worry we didn’t either; we just had pre-reading material with us! But nonetheless, we attentively listened to five guest speakers who all held a significant point of view that influenced our own decision as well as informing us of what the preamble is about.
A Constitutional Preamble is basically an introduction or an opening of a series of statements that might state the procedures, objectives or source of authority to a country’s constitution. The guest speakers included Consul General’s for the countries of Spain, the USA and India; each speaking to us about the significance of their own country’s preamble.
Following Morning tea in the Queen’s Hall, students were put into groups of ten to discuss and explore into depth the issue put forward, and make a group decision on whether we agree with the change of the Australian Constitutional Preamble. Although there were many unfamiliar faces accompanying us on this important day, everyone seemed quite confident and didn’t hesitate when stating their opinions or opposing those of others.
For lunch, we went out to the City. All the students separated into their school groups with the teacher’s still inside Parliament House for lunch. While it went very quickly, we reported back in time for the Soap Box session. It was only when we learned what the preamble was, that we could put our opinions forward. Firstly, the Speakers on behalf of each group stated their view points. Then each student had the opportunity to stand up and voice their own personal opinions on the matter. When all opinions were heard, a vote was conducted in the Legislative Assembly. We were firstly asked to vote “Aye” or “No” on whether the preamble should be changed. We then voted on several statements that we believed should or shouldn’t be mentioned in a new proposed preamble.
The voting was then followed by a short film made by two students who were given the opportunity to attend the National Convention in Canberra. The film captured their experiences and inspired many to apply for the National Convention next year.
As the convention came to close, we left the Parliament House with many ideas to discuss and opinions to share. The members of Parliament had provided us with this opportunity that ultimately was successful because all individuals contributed to the day’s proceedings. We had seized the chance to voice out opinions as we felt our ideas were valued. On behalf of us all, we’d especially like to thank Mrs Jackson for introducing us to the Conventions and being with us from the beginning. Good luck to all the girls in putting their essays in for the National Convention in Canberra; hopefully we make it in!
More Information
346State Constitutional Convention.doc
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