"This is a great opportunity for young Australians to speak about issues that matter to them,” Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan said today.
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 3 minute speech as if it was their first speech to parliament.
“This is a great opportunity for young Australians to speak about issues that matter to them,” Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan said today.
“I am encouraging all students from Wannon to enter and prove to the rest of the nation what we already know; that young people from the country have so much to offer and are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
“First speeches, previously known as maiden speeches, are an opportunity for newly-elected members to outline the issues they think are important and the difference they hope to make.
“When I gave my first speech in the parliament, I spoke about the influences and experiences that shaped my beliefs and a desire to end the inequality between country and metropolitan areas. I also spoke about my priorities for Wannon; better roads and health services and improved educational and employment opportunities for our children. ”
For this competition, students need to imagine they’ve been elected to the House of Representatives. They need to think about the issues which are important to them and then write and video a speech which expresses their concerns, hopes and ideals. They may be personal, local or national issues, or maybe even a global concern.
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
-ENDS-
Media Contact: Rachelle Miller 03 5572 1100 or 0408 564 232
Copyright © 2010 : Authorised by Dan Tehan, 190 Gray St, Hamilton VIC 3300
Disclaimer | Privacy | Contact
Design by Tin Shed Creations
