The winners of the My First Speech competition will be visiting Canberra next week to have their say.
The competition asks secondary school students to imagine themselves as a newly elected Member of the House of Representatives and to write a 90 second or 300-word speech about an issue they are passionate about.
The judges for the 2025 competition were the Speaker of the House, the Hon Milton Dick MP, the Member for Bass, Ms Jess Teesdale MP, the Member for Hinkler, Mr David Batt MP and the Member for Fowler, Ms Dai Le MP.
This year's winning speeches were about better access to physical and mental health care in regional areas, organ donation and holistic education. The winners will travel to Canberra to deliver their speeches live at an award ceremony in Parliament House on Wednesday 26 November 2025, to be hosted by the Speaker.
'The My First Speech Competition is a fantastic way for our future leaders to get involved in democracy and speak about the issues that are important to them,' said Speaker Milton Dick.
'It is so important that we continue to look for these opportunities to give our young Australians the opportunity to engage with our Parliament. Hearing their voices and views is the sign of a vibrant and healthy democracy – something I am so passionate about.'
Video footage of the winners' speeches will be available on the House of Representatives YouTube channel after the ceremony.
Event details
My First Speech event
Wednesday 26 November, 12.00 pm to 12.45 pm
Presiding Officers Exhibition Area,1st floor public area (near the post office)
Parliament House, Canberra
