The Hon Julia Gillard MP
Deputy Prime Minister; Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations;
Minister for Education; Minister for Social Inclusion   

Participation in The Parliamentary Clubs would give students opportunities to develop ‘an understanding of, and commitment to, Australia’s democratic system of government, law and civics life’ and ‘the knowledge, skills and values that support active citizenship and the capacity to act as informed and responsible citizens’; both of which are highlighted in the Statements of Learning.   

Beatrice Barnett | Assistant Director
Communication Products & Services
Australian Electoral Commission  

Thank you for the opportunity! Really enjoyed seeing the school parliaments in action and outlining the steps to achieve this. The principles and approach taken by CEFA is closely aligned to that of the AEC. I'm sure that we will have further talks about how our two organisations can work together more closely to achieve a common goal."  

Tom Rogers
Australian Electoral Office
State Manager NSW

“The presentation was nothing short of dynamic, it gave me great confidence in the ability of our young people and our education system to communicate and embrace the fundamental, aspects of our democracy in a practical and realistic way”.

Mr Brad Campbell
Principal
Gilroy College
Castle Hill

 “I’ve been really impressed by The Parliamentary Club this year. It’s been one of those things that has really snowballed. I think it is absolutely brilliant.”

Mr Peter McGovern
Principal
St Joseph’s Catholic High School

The Parliamentary Club has been a fantastic initiative in terms of the school and to see so many students involved and passionate about politics and also about events in the world. They are interested in having a voice and sharing their perspective on the world around them”.

Ms Jennie George MP
Federal Member of Parliament (Throsby)

“The Parliamentary Club reflects an ability to relate to the real world. It has a real appreciation of the importance of the parliamentary process. It engages debate with particular reference to national and international issues such as poverty and inequality in a very intelligent and rational way.”

Ryan J. Kernaghan
School Captain
Speaker, House of Representatives 2005
St. Joseph's Catholic High School

“The Parliamentary Club has made a lasting impression on the school community, promulgating its image for future incarnations. My position as its first Speaker has been a true honour. I wish the club and its dedicated members every success in the future."

Mr Paul Fomiatti
Co-ordinator
The Parliamentary Club
Grace Lutheran College
Queensland

A fantastic experience! Would be delighted to come as a guest speaker for any future forums etc. Thanks for this great initiative Don!

Ms Teresa Gambaro
Former Federal Member of Parliament (Petrie)

The Parliamentary Club is a great way to get young people involved in the political system. Not only do students learn about the value of our democracy, and how the Westminster system works, they also learn public speaking skills and teamwork.

Mr Peter Lindsay MP
Chair - Joint Standing Committee
Civics and Electoral Education 2006

This is a great initiative and obviously it clearly works in the school. You were right in your opening statement, we should try and get this extended nationally.

Ingrid Purnell
Programs Officer
History Teachers Association of Victoria

Thanks for your fantastic contribution to the AGORA (History Teachers Association of Victoria) journal, it really gives the edition some pedagogical weight! I hope you will write for us again soon.

Stuart Henry MP
Member for Hasluck (WA)

Thank you for bringing to my attention this exciting new initiative being offered by the Constitution Education Fund Australia (CEFA). I too am very interested in raising awareness and improving the understanding of both our constitution and Australia’s system of government. It is of great importance that our youth become both interested and openly active when regarding issues that concern us as a society and also that they learn the fundamentals of our democratic processes. I hope that this initiative are undertaken by schools, and that the benefits of doing so are noted.

Dr Brendon Nelson MP
Member for Bradfield (NSW)

“This project seeks to create a new generation of young people who are passionate about the future of their country and who believe they can make a difference. The Parliamentary Club aims to produce politically aware young people committed to becoming active members of our democratic society and influential leaders in the future.”