TWO Frankston High School students were among 120 Victorian Year 11 and 12 students who participated in the 22nd National Schools Constitutional Convention, held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra last week (15-17 March).
The boys, Jackson Ramage and Gerard Felipe, were selected to participate in the program, which provides senior students with an opportunity to learn about how Australia’s Constitution provides a democratic framework, and encourages them to take an active interest in the operation of government. The topic of the 2017 Convention was ‘Indigenous Australians and the Constitution’.
The students had the opportunity to consider arguments relating to Indigenous Constitutional recognition, hear from a panel of experts, get involved in group discussions and persuade other delegates of particular approaches. The sessions culminated in a mock referendum to determine the outcome of their deliberations.
Jackson said he was grateful for the opportunity, which gave him the opportunity to further consider his political, legal and social future career choices.
Gerard said the boys felt they couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to voice their opinions on the issues that affect them as young individuals.
“We are, after all, the future of our communities,” he said.
