The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Milton Dick MP has officially kicked off his civics program for the 48th Parliament, committing to visiting all 150 federal electorates. The first electorates being in North Queensland.
Over the next three days, the Speaker will be delivering his Parliament in Schools program and the Australian Parliament House Flag Roadshow in partnership with local Federal Members.
This is the first time both programs will be delivered together, providing students a classroom education session, followed by a practical hands-on session, delivering a once in a lifetime experience.
The Parliament in Schools is delivered in a classroom environment, utilising Parliamentary Education Office resources, teaching students about federation, democracy and the Australian Parliament. Students have the opportunity to hear first-hand from the Speaker and their local member on what a typical day looks like in their electorate and when they are in Parliament House for sitting weeks.
The Australian National Flag Roadshow will teach students about the history and importance of our National Flag, finishing the program by furling the 12.8m x 6.4m APH National Flag on their school oval.
On Monday 4 August, the Speaker will visit:
- Gordonvale State School, with the Federal Member for Kennedy, the Hon Bob Katter MP, and
- Woree State School, with the Federal Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith MP.
On Tuesday 5 August, the Speaker will visit Currajong State School, with the Federal Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson OAM MP.
On Wednesday 6 August, the Speaker will visit:
- Sarina State School, with the Federal Member for Capricornia, the Hon Michelle Landry MP, and
- Mackay West State School, with the Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP.
Quotes attributable to the Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives
'My civics programs are multi-partisan initiatives to make civics education accessible to students regardless of their location.'
'As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I recommit to uplifting civics education and knowledge across this country, and this starts with our youngest generation.'
'Not all students will get the opportunity to travel all the way to Canberra. This is why I am taking these programs on the road and bringing it to them.'
'Last parliament I visited over 160 schools across over 70 electorates – from King Island to Far North Queensland to Nullagine.'
'These students are our future leaders, and it is important that we equip them with the information and tools they need, to go on to be active and engaged citizens.'
