An extraordinary event, Liverpool City Council and Mission Australia are celebrating the 10th year of the ground breaking 2168 Children's Parliament. Inspired by the Scottish Children's Parliament, it aims to build children's engagement in civic life by giving voice to their ideas and aspirations and increasing knowledge and understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
Charishma Kaliyanda Member for Liverpool is the first Indian-born Australian Member of Parliament. Nathan Hagarty Member for Leppington is a proud local and lifelong resident of South-West Sydney and the Government Whip. These parliamentarians, primary and some year 10 high school students, Susan Nicholson Director of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Nicolas Mamgrip Director Office of Deputy Secretary Public Schools and a host of dignitaries with Katrina Bone Program Manager Mission Australia and children's author Susanne Gervay OAM are sitting at the 2168 Children's Parliament on 26th November at Liverpool Powerhouse.
Young people from St Therese Catholic Schools, Cartwright, Green Valley, Ashcroft, Sadlier, Heckenberg, Busby, Busby West and other public schools, as well as Year 10 secondary students present their arguments on road safety, barriers to sport participation, cost of living and youth advocacy. Susanne Gervay OAM will address bullying through her I Am Jack books, while parliamentarian Charisma Kaliyanda addresses the issues presented by the students.
This is the only Children's Parliament in Australia engaging school children from primary schools and year 10 students. There is only one other engagement of youth in parliament, in Australia. The National Youth Parliament brings 150 senior school students years 11 and 12 together. Each represents one of Australia's federal electorates, to engage directly with civics and the Parliament on a five day experience.
Through simulated parliamentary debates, workshops with political leaders, and real-world policy challenges, students will gain a deeper understanding of how Parliament works and their future role as voters.
Project Officer – Shaieste Heidari
