Speaker of the Federal Government House of Representatives Milton Dick was a special guest at Gorokan Public School on Friday, November 15.
He was joined by Member for Dobell Emma McBride who spoke to students about her dual roles as local MP and an Assistant Health Minister.
Since assuming the role of Speaker in 2022, Dick has travelled across the country to engage with school students in an effort to broaden knowledge about democracy and the Australian parliamentary system.
Gorokan students assumed the roles of Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, Ministers and MPs in a mock Parliament where they took part in a parliamentary-style debate, presided over by the Speaker.
This included a Question Time and a Parliamentary Vote where students had to divide to opposite sides of the room.
The question ‘Should pineapple be allowed on pizza?’ produced an overwhelming ‘no’ vote.
McBride said the Speaker provided students with an invaluable insight into the work of parliament.
“Students impressed the Speaker with their knowledge of the parliament and were excellent representatives of their school and students on the Coast,” she said.
A replica mace was used during the mock parliament.
The real mace enters and leaves the House of Representatives with the Speaker each sitting day, carried by the Sergeant-At-Arms.
It is laid upon the table to represent the House being in session and is pointed towards the government to represent where the authority sits within the chamber.
Gorokan Public School is the 141st school the Speaker has visited as part of his effort to grow civics education for students across the country.
“The Parliament in Schools program is an integral part of improving civics education across Australia,” he said.
“These students are our future leaders, and it is important that we equip them with the information and tools they need, to go on to be active and engaged citizens.”
Launched in September 2022, the Parliament in Schools program is a bi-partisan initiative to make civics education accessible to students regardless of their location.
McBride also recently welcomed students from Killarney Vale Public School, Wyong Public School and Central Coast Grammar School to Parliament House.
“Each sitting week it is wonderful to welcome many local students to Parliament House, where they’re able to understand how our democracy works,” she said.