Is it important for students to explore constitutional issues?

Jada-Li Crossey sure thinks so!

In fact, she wrote a 400-word response on the matter to enter the National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) Competition earlier this term.

In forming her entry, Jada-Li expressed that “the 2023 referendum made me realise how important it is that we understand our constitution and political processes. Without this understanding it is difficult to separate credible news, and fact, from opinion.”

Jada-Li was fortunate to be selected as one of five Tasmanian representatives who joined 94 other Year 11 and 12 students from around Australia at the 29th National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra. This year’s convention posed the following prompt for discussion: “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?”. As part of the four-day program, delegates heard from keynote speakers and debated this topic at Old Parliament House before casting their vote in a mock referendum conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission and passing on a communique to Senator Andrew McLachlan CSC. As well as having the opportunity to meet politicians and His Excellency General David Hurley, students also visited the Museum of Australian Democracy, National Press Club, National Museum of Australia, Government House, Parliament House and observed Question Time in the House of Representatives.

Students engaged in meaningful and thought-provoking conversations throughout the course of the program and enjoyed the invaluable experience.