This week, the Honourable Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives, embarked on a unique journey to regional Western Australia as part of the Parliament in Schools program. The initiative aims to enhance civics education by bringing the Australian Parliament directly to students across the country. During his visit, Speaker Dick engaged with students, shedding light on federation, democracy, and the inner workings of our nation’s legislative body.
Visiting Schools Across the Region
The Speaker’s itinerary included visits to several schools, where he interacted with eager students and shared insights into parliamentary processes. Here are the schools he visited:
- Baynton West Primary School (Baynton)
- Students at Baynton West had the opportunity to learn firsthand from the Speaker about the Australian Parliament and its role in shaping our nation.
- St. Paul’s Primary School (Bulgarra)
- At St. Paul’s, Speaker Dick discussed the significance of democracy and the responsibilities of elected representatives.
- Wickham Primary School (Wickham)
- Wickham students engaged in discussions about federation and the importance of civic participation.
- Nullagine Primary School (Nullagine)
- The Speaker’s visit to Nullagine Primary School emphasized the value of informed citizenship and active engagement in the democratic process.
- Port Hedland School of the Air
- Speaker Dick connected virtually with students from Port Hedland, highlighting the unique role of remote education in our diverse nation.
Program Success and Bi-Partisanship
Since the program’s launch in September 2022, over 100 schools across Australia have benefited from the Parliament in Schools initiative. From King Island to Far North Queensland, and now Nullagine, the Speaker’s commitment to improving civics education remains unwavering. The program’s success is rooted in its bi-partisan nature, transcending political boundaries to foster a deeper understanding of our democratic institutions.
As the Speaker continues his journey through regional Western Australia, he leaves behind a legacy of civic empowerment. The Parliament in Schools program serves as a beacon of knowledge, bridging the gap between our elected representatives and the next generation of informed citizens.
