Lily Cronly participated in the Queensland Schools Constitutional Convention at the end of 2022 and was selected to represent our school and region at the National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra in March of this year. Lily was one of 120 students from across Australia to participate face to face in this prestigious event in which senior school students get to explore the Australian Constitution and the questions that arise from it in relation to Australia's values and belief.
Lily's reflection on this significant event and experience:
Last term I participated in the 28th National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra to discuss the Australian Constitution, specifically Section 128 regarding the referendum process, and to discuss its relevance to the upcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament. It aimed to increase senior students' knowledge about the Australian Constitution and the vital role it plays in democracy. I participated in many amazing group activities and debates, got to visit landmarks such as Parliament House, meet the Governor General, and at the end of the event, hold a mock referendum. Many knowledgeable speakers from across Australia, such as those on the Australian Electoral Commission and professors from the Australian National University, attended and shared their insights and knowledge. Overall, it was an extremely interesting event, it was encouraging to meet with so many like-minded students from across Australia to discuss the referendum process and the importance and impact the Voice to Parliament will have, and it was inspiring to see Australian youth being active and passionate about our political processes.
Tammie Gilbert
Head of Department Contemporary Teaching and Learning / English and Theory of Knowledge teacher