McCormack invites senior students to engage in democracy: Riverina's My First Speech Competition now open

Year 10 to 12 students can participate in the competition. Photo: skynesher.

Senior high school students in the Riverina are invited to participate in a new speech competition.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack invites students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to enter his ‘My First Speech Competition’.

Mr McCormack said the competition was an opportunity for students to put themselves into the shoes of a newly elected Member of Parliament, organised by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP.

“Young people are our nation’s future workers, business owners and leaders. Their stake in our future is vital and it is important to ensure their voices and concerns are heard and met,” Mr McCormack said.

“The My First Speech Competition is a wonderful opportunity for young people in the Riverina and Central West to show their interest in the democratic process, the Federal Parliament and the issues that matter to them most, whilst also encouraging further interest and participation in our political debate.

“The competition mimics the tradition of a Member of Parliament’s first speech, whereby each new Member outlines their goals and vision for their time in office and highlights their main concerns for their community and electorate.”

Mr Dick said a priority of his was to promote parliamentary education.

“This is yet another exciting way that young people can take an active role in our democratic system,” Mr Dick said.

Participating students must write a 90-second speech, record a video of them delivering it, and submit it to the My First Speech website.

A winner from each school year will be selected and given the opportunity to fly to Canberra to present their speech live and participate in a program of meetings at Parliament House.

Mr McCormack’s office has sent instructions to all high schools in the electorate on how to enter and the competition rules. Students and teachers can visit the My First Speech website for more information.

Entries for the My First Speech Competition close at 11:59 pm on Saturday 27 July.