ARMIDALE and Duval High Schools student leaders received a taste of state politics in Sydney, with a tour of the oldest Parliament in Australia.
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School captains Charlotte Russell and Lachlan Jones, of Armidale High School, and Isabelle Winter and Dylan Ramsay, of Duval High School, were hosted by Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall during the Secondary Student Leadership Program.
The program is hosted by the NSW Parliamentary Education Branch and included a visit to Government House.
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“This program provides students with the opportunity to meet their elected representatives and to develop their knowledge of constitutional and parliamentary proceedings including the role of the Governor and the workings of the Parliament,” Mr Marshall said.
“Charlotte, Isabelle, Lachlan and Dylan were exceptional ambassadors for their schools and the Armidale community.
“It was a pleasure to have them in Parliament and personally welcome and provide them with a tour of the building, including both Chambers.”
Year 12 student leaders from all NSW secondary schools are invited to attend the leadership day which involves a tour and meeting parliamentarians.
The eight separate dates scheduled in first and second term are usually on sitting days to ensure the participation of politicians.
Mr Marshall said the student leaders, together with their colleagues from schools across country NSW, began the day listening to addresses from MPs before quizzing them on the life of a politician.
Later in the day, the leaders were hosted by NSW Governor David Hurley at a reception at Government House.
“All the student leaders were able to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the Parliament, including the machinations of the ‘Bear Pit’, and were introduced to some of the constitutional foundations of our State,” Mr Marshall said.
“School leadership is where many national, state and local government representatives are inspired to pursue their careers in community service.
“Being a school leader is an incredible privilege as they are elected by their entire student body and I hope some of students from yesterday continue with their leadership ambitions into the future.
“It was wonderful to meet Charlotte, Isabelle, Lachlan and Dylan and I hope they enjoyed their time visiting the ‘people’s parliament’ and learned a lot.”
The annual program gives scores of student leaders the opportunity to meet fellow leaders, politicians and taste of the political sphere.