Thursday, 19th May 2011
Today, Bert van Manen MP, Federal Member for Forde visited three schools in the Forde electorate to speak at special Parliamentary Education seminars.
Eagleby State School, St Joseph’s Trobuk Memorial School and Upper Coomera Anglican College were the three lucky schools to be visited by Parliamentary Education Office representatives, who explained the role of Parliament to the students.
Mr van Manen was pleased to watch the students taking part in mock debates on bills such as “banishing homework in schools” and “banning commercials during children’s television”.
Students were eager to ask the Federal Member questions about his personal experience in Parliament, such as his feelings after his first speech and the process of a debate.
“Parliamentary Education is important for students, as it gives them a better understanding of how our nation operates and how laws are passed,” Mr van Manen said.
“This also encourages them to go home and speak to their parents about what they have learnt, and to take a keener interest in watching news and current affairs programs,” he said.
[Ends]