Today, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Milton Dick MP is in regional New South Wales with the Member for Riverina, the Honourable Michael McCormack MP, as part of his schools program to encourage civic engagement.
Through the Parliament in Schools Program, students will learn about federation, democracy and the Australian Parliament, as well as 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 students will then participate in the Australian Parliament House (APH) Flag Roadshow, where they will learn about the history and significance of the Australian flag, and what makes it a symbol of our democracy. They will then unfurl the iconic 12.8m x 6.4m flag that usually flies above APH at the school.
With the Member for Riverina, the Speaker will visit:
- Binalong Public School (including Wee Jasper Public School, Bookham Public School and Bowning Public School who will attend on the day), and
- Sutton Public School.
As stated by the Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives
"This Parliament I have committed to visiting every single electorate in Australia, to bring Parliament to schools who would not otherwise have the opportunity to visit Canberra."
"Civic education and engagement has never been more important than now – our democracy is under pressure, and these students are our future leaders."
"It is important that we equip them with the information and tools they need, to go on to be active and engaged citizens."
As stated by the Hon Michael McCormack MP, Member for Riverina
"It is an absolute honour to have the Speaker if the House of Representatives visit Riverina schools as part of his Parliament in Schools Program."
"This initiative is as important as it has ever been to help our future leaders learn about democracy and civics education and I commend the Speaker for his efforts to bring the Parliament, and the huge Australian flag that usually flies above Australian Parliament House, to Binalong Public School and Sutton Public School, to increase local engagement and encourage students to participate in and better understand the democratic process."
About the Parliament in Schools program
Launched in September 2022, the Parliament in Schools program is a bi-partisan initiative to make civics education accessible to students regardless of their location. In collaboration with local federal members, the Speaker is visiting schools across Australia to bring parliament to them.
The program is an extension to well-established PEO onsite, digital and outreach education programs available to schools across Australia.
It also complements the existing PEO online and print resources that are curriculum-aligned, for Australian teachers and students.
About the APH Flag Roadshow
Launched in 2024, it is an extension of the Speaker's existing civics program to increase access to civics education and opportunities to experience Australian democracy, outside Canberra.
It is an initiative to bring an iconic part of Parliament House to regional and remote schools across Australia who may not get the opportunity to visit Canberra. It is designed to promote Australian democracy and is a gateway to broader discussions about civic engagement
