Year 12 McAuley Student To Take Part In National Schools Constitutional Convention

Sara E., Catherine McAuley Westmead Year 12 Legal Studies student

Sara E., a Year 12 Legal Studies student will be among 95 other Years 11 and 12 students from around Australia attending the 29th National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC), being held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra.

This event will take place next week from Tuesday 19th March - Thursday 21st March.

“As a young Australian woman I think it's important that my voice is heard and recognised, so it's pretty incredible that I can be a part of these discussions”, said Sara. Sara was chosen to attend this convention after attending the NSW Constitution Convention last year. She was chosen to attend that convention after submitting a 500 word response to a question about reformation of the Australian Constitution. The delegates from the State convention voted for 30 delegates to represent them at the National Constitution Convention.

Sara at NSW Parliament House last year where she attended the NSW Constitution Convention

“The topic of this national convention is: Section 96 of the Constitution allows the Commonwealth to grant funds to areas that fall outside those prescribed in Section 51. Should Section 96 be amended to decentralise the power of the Commonwealth?”, Sara explains. “I think it's not only really important to learn about the most foundational laws of our country (the Constitution) but it's also pretty cool. The topics of these conventions are not just about the current state of the Constitution, but also about how the Constitution can be amended and altered to reflect the progression of our society”.

Sara says she is particularly looking forward to the keynote addresses as one of them will focus on federal and state funding and grants, and is taking place in the Parliamentary Library in Canberra. She is also looking forward to the opportunity to attend the House of Representatives Question Time and to attend a reception hosted by Governor General, His Excellency General the Hon. David Hurley AC DSC (Retd).

Well done Sara on your participation at this important event.