about the peo
The Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) provides parliamentary education services to schools, teachers and students.
- Our name—the Parliamentary Education Office—establishes the framework in which we operate: we educate schools, teachers and students about the federal Parliament.
- This framework is defined by the role of the Parliament in:
- making and amending laws
- representing the people of Australia
- forming government
- scrutinising the work of the government.
- Our resources, programs and other outputs are designed with depth and flexibility to match this unique framework.
- By educating students about the Parliament, we equip them with a fundamental knowledge and understanding of governance in the society in which we live.
The PEO ethos
In the PEO, educating Australians about the work of the federal Parliament is more than just a job—it is something we believe in. We believe that the Parliament protects and enhances our way of life through a fascinating and complex set of checks and balances. The Parliament is responsible for decisions about all aspects of Australian endeavour and the common good—it is the most significant institution in our land.
The PEO is situated right inside Australia’s federal Parliament. Many PEO staff enjoy several years of experience and contact with the main players in the building. This builds a continuity of knowledge gained through constant observation of the Parliament in action and drives our desire to share the knowledge of its people and processes Australia wide.
The PEO has chosen role-play as our principal teaching strategy. Role-play of this kind creates an opportunity to examine the concept of parliament, to become a member of parliament, to use authentic language and to feel the responsibility of law-making for a nation. Our role-plays invite students to feel as well as to know what it is like to be a parliamentarian.
We strive for a lasting education experience.
The PEO experience
With limited resources and a national agenda, PEO programs, publications and resources are designed to visit and re-visit the major parliamentary concepts of representation, law-making, formation of government and accountability—to different ages and stages of learners—through play, fantasy, simulation and immersion in the real thing.
We carry out our national role by:
- teaching
- reaching
- producing publications and resources
- creating and maintaining the PEO website
Role-plays at Parliament House
Over 80,000 students each year take part in PEO role-plays inside Australia’s Parliament House. Since 1988, 1.2 million school students have participated in the PEO role-play program. All PEO educators are skilled facilitators of the role-play program and as educators we aim for a transformative experience. That this can be achieved in just one hour often surprises both students and teachers, as students explore the idea of what it means to live in a parliamentary democracy and how to share the power of making good laws. Go to Role-plays at Parliament House.
Teaching Teachers
The PEO is a small office with a broad national focus. We have to be strategic if we are to reach as many learners as we can. One approach is to create a multiplier effect by working with teachers all over Australia. Some of these teachers come to us and spend some time immersed in the Parliament; others stay where they are and we meet with them in their own communities. These teachers then teach other teachers using PEO resources and strategies—and benefit from a relationship where educators learn from each other. Go to Teaching Teachers.
Adult Workshops
We visit schools, universities and TAFE campuses throughout Australia and conduct programs using role-play to explain the Parliament’s role in running and organising this country. Adult Workshop programs are delivered to mature-aged students, are adaptable, and equally able to meet the needs of Australian born students as well as students who have recently made Australia their home. Go to Adult Workshops.
PEO publications and resources
Our printed resources are not text books; they are supporting tools for active learning which focus on understanding the Parliament through doing as well as knowing—by engaging the heart and the mind. So we provide engaging print resources that support, reveal, explore and intrigue the mind and senses. Go to Publications.
The PEO website
Our website has been reshaped to better serve the people we most want to reach—teachers, our professional colleagues and students of all types. The PEO website is the front door to useful information and exciting resources and programs. It reflects a strong desire to provide parliamentary services that meet your needs. Go to www.peo.gov.au time and time again!
PEO administration
The PEO is administered by the Department of the Senate, and works on behalf of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. PEO operations are jointly funded by both houses. We also assist members and senators to inform constituents about the work of the federal Parliament and its processes.
If this information does not answer all of your questions about the parliamentary education services provided by the PEO, please contact the PEO by phone, fax or email.
Ph: 02 6277 3147 or 02 6277 3508
Fax: 02 6277 5775
Email info@peo.gov.au