Students debate some big issues in Parliament

Around 90 students representing 90 NSW secondary schools spent a day in Parliament this week debating and discussing two major issues confronting legislators.
On the agenda were recognition of Indigenous Australians and their rights in the Constitution and current and positive alternatives to changing the Constitution.
Officially opening the NSW Schools State Constitutional Convention Speaker Richard Torbay said it was wonderful to see so many articulate and interested students discussing issues which affect the day to day conduct of government.
“This is a great opportunity for young people to participate directly in public debate on issues of national significance and to put their own views forward in a forum of their peers.
“This lively process is very stimulating and it is through considered, active involvement that we can ensure the health and growth of democracy.”
Mr Torbay urged the students to engage in robust debate and not to be afraid to argue their case and express their views frankly.
“I hope some day to see some of these young people in State Parliament representing their communities and being part of the legislative process,” he said.
The Convention is supported by the Federal and State Departments of Education, Catholic Education, the Association of Independent Schools and the NSW Parliament.
Thirty of the young delegates have been selected to attend the National Schools Constitutional Convention to be held in Canberra in early 2010.
Keynote speakers at this week’s event included Professor Larissa Behrendt, Professor of Law and Director of Research at the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning and Professor Helen Irving, Faculty of Law, Sydney University.