Year 12 Student Keiriana Represents Queensland at National Schools Constitutional Convention
Year 12 student Keiriana Dargin-Clark was among 116 Year 11 and 12 students from around Australia attending the 28th National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC). The event was held from Tuesday 21 March to Thursday 23 March 2023 at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra.
As a proud Indigenous woman and Queensland Schools delegate Keiriana stated, “I am passionate about reform. I look forward to contributing to the debate on this important topic – this is particularly related to my people.”
Principal Ann Rebgetz expressed her delight at Keiriana's appointment, "This is an amazing achievement – we are very proud of you Keiriana!"
The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education (DOE), coordinated by National Curriculum Services (NCS) and supported by the Australian Curriculum Studies Association (ACSA) and department of education from all states and territories.
The topic for the 2023 Convention is, ‘Constitutional Reform - Is section 128 still a necessary requirement to change such an important document as the Australian Constitution?’. Section 128 of the Australian Constitution says the Constitution can be changed in a process called a referendum.
This topic will provide students with the opportunity to examine Section 128 of the Australian Constitution and discuss if the requirements for alteration are still appropriate.
A range of stimulus speakers will discuss the issues with students for them to debate with all delegates.
Outcomes from the Convention will be incorporated into a Communiqué that will be forwarded to the President of the Senate, Senator Sue Lines, for tabling in Parliament and recorded in Hansard.
Other elements of the program will include the Prime Minister’s Welcome Reception at Parliament House hosted by The Hon Patrick Gorman MP, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, a meeting with the Governor-General, The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) at Government House, and a dinner at the High Court of Australia.