High school students in years 10, 11 and 12 are being invited to take part in a new national competition called “My First Speech”.
Organised by the House of Representatives, students need to write and video a three minute speech as if it was their first speech to parliament.
“This is a great opportunity for young Australians to speak up on issues that matter to them. It may be a personal, local or national issue, or maybe even a global concern,” Mr Husic said.
“When I gave my first speech in parliament, I spoke on important issues such as education and training, climate change, health, innovation, employment, and the economy.”
“I also pointed out that our electorate is the second most ‘youthful’ one in the nation, with a third of people living here under the age of nineteen.”
“This is why I am keen for as many young people to get involved and voice their views about the change they would like to see in their world,” Mr Husic said.
Entries will be judged on language, content and delivery and the videos may be used as part of an upcoming public exhibition in Parliament House in Canberra.
The winner will receive a cash prize of $250 for themselves and $500 for their school. The runner up will receive $100 for themselves and $250 for their school. Both students will be invited to Canberra to attend the opening of a public exhibition on first speeches in Parliament House in July. Entries close on Thursday 16 June 2011.
For more information – and inspiration – go to the competition’s website: www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech For a link to my inaugural speech, you can go to my website: