Constitution on Michaela’s mind

POSTED March 18 2024 , Academic, News, Senior School

From 19 March to 21 March, Year 12 student, Michaela, will be among 95 Year 11 and 12 students from around Australia attending the 29th National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) being held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra.

The topic for the 2024 Convention is, ‘Section 96 of the Constitution allows the Commonwealth to grant funds to areas that fall outside those prescribed in Section 51. Should Section 96 be amended to decentralise the power of the Commonwealth?’.

This topic will provide students with an opportunity to examine Sections 51 and 96 of the Australian Constitution and discuss if the power of the Commonwealth should be decentralised.

A range of speakers will discuss the issues with students for them to debate with all delegates. Outcomes from the Convention will be incorporated into a Communiqué that will be forwarded to the President of the Senate, Senator Sue Lines, for tabling in Parliament and recorded in Hansard.

Michaela earned her place at the Convention after impressing a selection panel with a thought-provoking application.

“My application centred on questioning elements of the constitution and highlighting how it is, at times, good in theory but functionally, not as good, in part due to governments enforcing it,” she said.

As a national delegate, will travel with 14 other students from Western Australia to the Convention.

“I am looking forward to meeting other students from around Australia and plenty of politicians. There are many local and international issues that I would like to discuss with them,” Michaela said.

“I am interested in studying law and international relations in the future, so this will be a great networking opportunity, too.”

Other elements of the program will include a Prime Minister’s Reception at Parliament House, a meeting with the Governor-General, The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) at Government House, and an official dinner at the National Press Club.