My First Speech competition for young Australians
5th July, 2013
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss today encouraged secondary school students in years 10, 11 and 12 to take part in a House of Representatives competition called “My First Speech”.“To enter the competition, students are to imagine that they have been elected to the House of Representatives, and plan and deliver their first speech to the Parliament,” Mr Truss said.
“Students should think about the issues which are important to them and then write and video record a three minute speech in which they express their concerns, hopes and ideals.
“This is a great opportunity for young Australians to have their say about the issues that matter to them, their community, our state and our nation,” Mr Truss said.
First speeches, previously known as maiden speeches, provide an opportunity for newly-elected members to outline the issues they think are important and the difference they hope to make.
“When I gave my first speech in the Parliament, I spoke about the importance of agriculture to Australia, our growing relationship with Asia, and the need ensure that Government assists economic development rather than hinders it. When I look at my first speech now, I can see that while much was done to implement the proposals I had in mind and to improve opportunities, threats have emerged in recent years to unwind those hard fought gains.
“I expressed my views then on a range of issues important to our area and Australia. This competition encourages entrants to communicate their ideas and goals and how they view their community as part of our nation,” Mr Truss said.
One winner and one runner-up in the competition will be flown to Canberra with a parent or guardian, with two nights’ accommodation, to attend the Parliament House 25th anniversary Open Day on Saturday 24 August 2013 where they will deliver their speeches. The winner will also receive a cash prize of $750 ($250 to the student and $500 to the school). The runner up will receive a cash prize of $350 ($100 to the student and $250 to the school).
To enter the competition, submit your video on CD or DVD along with a written transcript of your speech and completed competition forms to:
My First Speech competition
International and Community Relations Office
PO Box 6021
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2601
Entries close Friday, 26 July 2013.
For more information - and inspiration - go to the competition’s website: www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech
