- The Crisafulli Government is launching a new international prize for eight high-achieving Queensland students and two teachers.
- Successful applicants will fly to London to visit the birthplace of Westminster democracy and will undertake trips to Canberra and Brisbane parliaments.
- Applications for the inaugural program open on Monday 18 May to Queensland Year 9 students.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and supporting the State's students and teachers.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Queensland students and teachers to experience the birthplace of parliamentary democracy through a prestigious education prize.
Launching today, the Westminster Prize is open to all Year 9 students across Queensland's state schools, non-state schools, and homeschool settings who have a strong interest in civics and citizenship.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future after a decade of decline under Labor.
Eight successful students will fly to London next year with two teacher chaperones to experience first-hand aspects of the Westminster system of government, which is the foundation of Australia's parliamentary democracy.
The prize also includes trips to Canberra and Brisbane parliaments where students will gain valuable knowledge, insights and experiences with Australia's political system.
The Westminster Prize is a new initiative from the Crisafulli Government and adds to existing excellence programs including the Premier's ANZAC Prize, the Premier's Reading Challenge and the Peter Doherty Awards.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the Westminster Prize aimed to strengthen Queensland students' understanding of civics, citizenship and democratic participation.
"This exciting new program offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to travel to London, Canberra and Brisbane to learn about our rich history and political system," Minister Langbroek said.
"Today's students are our future leaders, and the Crisafulli Government's new Westminster Prize is a fantastic opportunity for them to travel, explore and deepen their understanding of democratic values.
"Through the Westminster Prize, the eight students will grow their understanding of Queensland's parliamentary system, Australia's federal democracy and the Westminster model in the UK.
"As well as their travels, the prize winners will deliver a local civics project focused on a community issue, applying their learning to real-world contexts."
British Consul General for Queensland and the Northern Territory Richard Cowin said he was delighted to support the fantastic initiative.
"This exciting award gives students an amazing opportunity to see how the Westminster system works in real life and to experience the democratic traditions that connect the UK and Australia," Mr Cowin said.
"In a fast-changing world, understanding our shared values and approaches is more important than ever.
"This prize will enable a lucky group of young Queenslanders to experience these principles firsthand and draw on them throughout their lives."
Applications to be part of the inaugural Westminster Prize open on 18 May and close 31 July, with interviews and selection in August and September.
