News from the PEO
May 2008
PEO educators take up the challenge of the Red Centre
The Speaker and Serjeant-at-Arms prepare for work
A Senate Committee in session
On 5 May—Race Day—three PEO educators arrived in Alice Springs to teach and reach students from across the community. Echoes of parliament rang across education centres as students of all ages eagerly took on various parliamentary roles. Within the groups were Indigenous adults from the Institute of Aboriginal Development who, amongst their activities, participated in a successful Senate committee role-play. Indigenous Language Literacy and Numeracy students from Charles Darwin University initiated three debates. Enthusiastic students from the Adult Migrant Education Program enjoyed the opportunity at first hand to learn about and understand the Australian system of government.
Students from Centralian College, Anzac Hills High School and Our Lady Of the Sacred Heart College also enjoyed the opportunity to take part in a special PEO program. Yirara College, an Indigenous boarding school with students from across the NT, was the final port of call. Two bills were debated and students had the novel opportunity of role-playing members of parliament and passing laws of their own making. The PEO staff left Alice Springs with a sense of achievement, having accomplished a very diverse week of work.
Energetic debate during role-play at Open Day
Over 8,000 visitors converged on Canberra to attend Open Day at Australia's Parliament House on 10 May. A ceremony was held in the Great Hall to celebrate the 20th anniversary, with performances by Corroboree College, Voices of Canberra choir, Elektra, and Dein Perry's Tap Dogs. Visitors were treated to a wide variety of activities around the building, including a flag-raising ceremony on the roof, a special viewing of the Prime Minister's Office and Cabinet room and tours of the Senate and House of Representatives.
At the PEO information desk, visitors had the opportunity to ask questions about Parliament and test out the PEO's Kidsview interactive games online. People of all ages also participated in energetic role-play debates run by the PEO and were given the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a parliamentarian or an official working in the federal Parliament.
February 2008
ABC Heywire hits town
Winners of the ABC Heywire competition travelled to Canberra this month to make it known that youth have a voice that should be listened to. Heywire gives young people from rural and regional Australia the chance to write and contribute their personal stories to this national competition.
On 13 February, all 45 finalists came to Parliament House to share their stories with the nation's movers and shakers and to find out how the Parliament can represent the interests of all Australians. Students role-played the work of the Parliament, went to Question Time in the House of Representatives, visited their elected Members and Senators, dropped in on the Press Gallery and even walked past the Prime Minister's office.
Heywire could not have picked a better day to come to the "House on the Hill", for it happened to be the same day as the Prime Minister delivered his apology to the nation's Indigenous people. Many of the Heywire winners said this was the highlight of their week, being amongst the special emotion of the occasion along with thousands of other Australians.
As one student said, "My highlight was going to Parliament—I left with a buzz…couldn't stop thinking about it".
The ABC Heywire Parliament at work Photo: Mark Graham
"I call the House to order" ABC Heywire Photo: Mark Graham
January 2008
National Youth Science Forum
Almost 300 students from across Australia visited the PEO as part of their wider involvement in the National Youth Science Forum, organised annually by the Australian National University. The PEO facilitated a Senate committee role-play that examined how the work of various science fields plays a role in the process of federal parliament.
Students examined a mock ‘Global Warming Bill’ and presented the perspectives of five different witness groups to the relevant ‘committee’. The resulting role-play was dynamic and enthusiastic with students bringing their flair and passion for science into the program. The role-play also resulted in some insightful and imaginative recommendations. Many students involved were first-time visitors to Australia's Parliament House and were appreciative of the “great opportunity to learn more about the roles of scientists within society”.
News archives
Looking for a past article? All of our past news can be found here: