The Parliament House in Canberra welcomed visitors from secondary students in the Work Exposure in Government (WEX) earlier this month, possibly encouraging some to consider joining politics in the future.
This year’s WEX Canberra program welcomed over 50 First Nations students in grades 10, 11, and 12, giving them a firsthand look at careers within the Australian Parliament and Public Service to help them make informed career choices when they end their schooling.
The trip to the national capital included visits to the Australian War Memorial, the Australian Defence Force Academy, the Australian Federal Police, the Aboriginal Tent Embassy as well as the Parliament.
Among the students was student from the Torres Strait, Amelia Devine, now living in Terrigal on the NSW Central Coast, who expressed she had developed a new interest in politics thanks to WEX.
‘Because of WEX, I’ve been thinking about a political career,” Amelia said.
“I had no idea about it, and just seeing Question Time opened my eyes to the fact that they are not always serious and care about injustice and respect,” she said.
For Amelia, the visit to the Australian War Memorial was particularly poignant as her Torres Strait Islander grandmother remembered her grandfather “going off to war then losing contact with the family.”
Additionally, a Careers Expo hosted by the National Indigenous Australians Agency featured representatives from 17 Commonwealth Agencies and Departments.
Amelia’s visit led to a change in her perception of Government as she found the people to be welcoming and friendly,
“I can see myself working in a government job in the future,” she said.
Amelia encouraged future students to embrace the WEX program, saying it was an excellent opportunity to learn about both Government careers and more culture.
“Participate because no one’s judging you. Dance along. Get involved; it has been the best experience.” She said.
The WEX program has received funding from the Australian Government since 2010 and is currently organised by Indigenous business ETM Perspectives, funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
