Speaker, Joy Burch MLA, hosted a Catholic Student Leadership Forum at the ACT Legislative Assembly. Year 9 and 10 students from St Mary MacKillop College; St John Paul II College; Merici College; St Francis Xavier College, and Daramalan College were given an opportunity to connect with local MLAs and gain insight into how the Legislative Assembly is governed.

Leader of the Opposition Alistair Coe MLA, Bec Cody MLA and Mark Parton MLA shared public speaking tips with students. Mr Coe listened to student opinions on several political issues including bus routes in the ACT.

Young Staffers shared their personal experiences and career pathways into politics in a Q&A panel. Students were given a behind the scenes tour of the facilities including the chamber and cabinet rooms.

Under the guidance of Elizabeth Lee MLA, students were able to debate topics such as, ‘should mobile phones be banned in ACT schools?’ and ‘should children under 18 have access to social media?’ in the chamber of the Legislative Assembly.

“It was exciting to be able to walk through the MLA’s offices and speak with them,” said Merici student Isabelle Dunn. “I loved having the chance to debate on the floor of the chamber, just like an MLA would.”

Director of Catholic Education, Ross Fox, thanked Speaker Joy Burch MLA and the other MLA’s for their continued support of Catholic Education and congratulated the students on their participation.