The Speaker of the House of Representatives has launched a competition to find Year 10 -12 schoolchildren who can deliver a speech like a Member of Parliament.
Inviting entries in the Department of the House of Representatives’ 2018 ‘My First Speech’ competition, the Speaker, Tony Smith said it was a great opportunity for young public speakers to make their voices heard.
“Imagine you’ve just been elected to Parliament and now it’s time to make your first speech in the House of Representatives,” Mr Smith said.
“The Speaker calls on you… what do you say? “
He said if you’re a student enrolled in year 10, 11 or 12, it’s time to find out.
Entries in the competition need only write a three-minute speech about issues they are passionate about then record themselves presenting the speech on video.
They can enter as a school or as an individual.
Mr Smith said that first, second and third place winners would be flown to Canberra with a parent or guardian to present their speech live at Parliament House.
“It’s always a pleasure to welcome the winners of the My First Speech competition to Parliament House,” Mr Smith said.
He said this year he would join fellow Parliamentarians Chris Crewther, Kate Ellis and Adam Bandt on the judging panel for the 2018 competition.
“Entries to the competition close at 5pm on Friday 19 October 2018,” Mr Smith said.
More information about the My First Speech competition can be accessed from the Parliament House website at this PS News link.
