Their first speech

LOCAL high school students are encouraged to take part in a new national competition called My First Speech.
Organised by the House of Representatives, students from Years 10, 11 and 12 who want to participate in the competition need to imagine they’ve been elected to the House of Representatives.
They then write and record on video a speech covering their concerns, hopes and ideals. It may be a personal, local or national issue or issues, or maybe even a global concern.
La Trobe MP Laura Smyth said the competition was a great opportunity for young Australians to have a voice about issues that matter to them.
“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,” Ms Smyth said.
“When I gave my first speech in the parliament, I spoke about growing up in Belfast, my family, and issues that are important to me, such as education, the environment and social justice issues.
“It was an opportunity for me to outline the important events in my life that lead me to being elected as a member of parliament.”
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.
For more information go to the competition’s website: www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech