ST JOSEPH’S Regional College student Esther Cummins was one of 30 selected to represent NSW at the National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) in Canberra.
Esther, who is in Year 12, joined 120 young leaders from across Australia to explore the theme of fiscal federalism and its role within the Australian Constitution.
“I met Federal members of Parliament and Senators and watched events like the House of Representatives Question Time and the handing down of Parliament’s final budget,” said Esther.
As part of the three-day event, delegates engaged in high-level discussions, met with Governor-General Sam Mostyn and participated in a mock referendum.
The consensus will be formally presented to the Australian Parliament where it will be reviewed by the Senate in an upcoming sitting.
“A key highlight was having Her Excellency sign our copies of the Constitution, a souvenir we’ll keep forever.”
Esther was nominated by her Human Society and Environment teacher at St Joseph’s Regional College, Elaine Hempsell, who described her as a passionate Legal Studies student.
“The convention highlights the importance of student participation in shaping Australia’s democratic future and gives students first-hand experience in constitutional law,” Ms Hempsell said.
The Australian Government Civics and Citizenship Education program hosts the NSCC as one of its major components, enabling senior secondary students to explore the Australian Constitution.
By Sis HIGGINS
