Year 10 Student, Townsville Grammar School, Queensland

I was one of four representatives from the State of Queensland to be selected to attend the Australian Student Forum Every Voice Counts!, which was held in Canberra from 11–14 October 2005. There were 29 State Representatives in total representing all the States of Australia, the Northern Territory and the ACT. It was fully funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training. As we were representing both our schools and our States, full uniform was worn at all functions.

The activities were based in and around Parliament House in Canberra and, as Parliament was in session, we were able to watch the proceedings of both Houses. We watched Question Time in the House of Representatives, where both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition were debating issues.

I was extremely fortunate in that our local Member of Parliament, Mr Peter Lindsay, took me on a 1.5 hour tour of Parliament, during which I met his press secretary, accompanied him to the House of Representatives Friends of Tourism Luncheon, visited the non-public areas of Parliament House and was personally shown the inner workings of Parliament. We, as representatives of our various States, were also invited to explore important issues, and present questions to the then Minister for Education, Science and Training. 

At Old Parliament House a forum was conducted with each of us taking part in the debate, putting forward our views on the issue of water, water restrictions and usage, the fundamental rights of people and how to participate in a democratic manner and implement change. Speakers included Senator Rachel Stewart, Senator for South Australia (Australian Greens), Lindsay Rae (World Vision), Joe Ross (Director of the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre) and Paul Sinclair (Healthy Rivers Campaign, Environment Victoria).

As well as the active involvement in forums and discussion groups, I also saw the sights of Canberra which included the National Museum, ScreenSound Australia and the National Gallery, as well as the High Court of Australia and the various Embassies and Diplomatic Residences.

On the final day, we discussed issues relevant to us as the youth of Australia and prepared papers with our opinions, views and ideas for action to be presented to the Hon. Dr Nelson, MP. The whole experience was exciting and eye-opening, and it broadened our horizons and thinking, as it gave us a hands-on experience with the democratic process, what parliamentarians do, how the constitution works and what the democratic process is all about.