PURSUING A PASSION FOR POLITICS

The 28th Annual National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) provided me with the opportunity to go to Canberra to work alongside 120 students from across the country, discussing and debating the relevance of the Australian Constitution in 2023. Specifically, we analysed Article 128 on modern society, an article that this year, given the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum, has specific relevance, as it discusses the mode of alterations to the Constitution.

In a series of discussions and keynote speeches, which are being presented through a communique to the Senate and recorded in Hansard, we established the reasons for the double majority system, and explored alternatives to this, considering the logistical repercussions of any changes. The program culminated in us holding our own mock-referendum, whereby we voted on whether the benchmark for constitutional change should be amended to a simple majority. This referendum failed, as both the majority of students and states voted against the proposed change. In fact, no state had a majority 'yes' vote, only the two territories, who under the current system, are not considered in the double majority.

Not only was the intellectual portion of the program engaging, but the other sections of the program were similarly fascinating. These included guided tours of Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy and the High Court of Australia, which further inspired my interest in the systems and documents that provide both the foundations and the support for governance within our country. A personal highlight, and a moment that captured the attention of many, was Question Time. We were fortunate to witness Peter Dutton denouncing Nazism, and affirming his support for anti-Nazism legislation, in the wake of Moira Deeming’s attendance at a Victorian anti-trans NeoNazi demonstration. The entire session was enrapturing, a front-row view into the workings of government.

Above all, I believe that the program, which I was encouraged by staff to apply in order to pursue my passion for politics, was an incredible opportunity to stimulate discussion amongst young people with a common interest, from an incredibly diverse range of backgrounds. As young Australians, having an awareness of and involvement in politics is integral to creating the future we wish to see, and the NSCC supports the achievement of this. I wish to bring back to Fintona a willingness to provide a forum for this conversation, which is not always easy to have, or to reach a consensus on, but is nonetheless integral to ensuring a more holistic education and understanding of the systems that facilitate our lifestyles.

Yasmin Year 12