The 2025 edition of the national My First Speech competition for year 10, 11 and 12 students is open and now accepting submissions.
The My First Speech competition seeks to engage young Australians in democracy and speak about the issues that are important to them.
Students are asked to write a 90-second speech on a topic they are passionate about, as if they are making their first speech in the House of Representatives. A winner from each year group will be selected and flown to Canberra with a parent or guardian, where they get to deliver their speech at Parliament House. Winners will also meet Members of Parliament, tour Parliament House, and learn more about the democratic process.
A panel of judges, which includes Members and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Milton Dick MP, will choose the winner from each year group.
Entries close at 11.59 pm (AEST) on 15 September 2025. More details can be found on the My First Speech website at: My First Speech Competition – Make your first speech.
For background information
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