The House of Representatives played host to powerful young voices this week, with the winners of the 2019 My First Speech competition delivering their speeches in Parliament House.
The overall winner of this year’s competition was Lucy Lonnqvist, from St Mary's Anglican Girls School in Perth, Western Australia. Lucy delivered a speech calling for new ways to measure Australia’s success.
In second place, Alexander Matters from St John's Grammar School in Adelaide, South Australia gave a speech about the importance of green spaces in urban planning.
In third place, Clara Kim from Taroona High School in Hobart, Tasmania made a speech that re-imagined education curriculums for students in rural and regional areas.
During their visit to Parliament, the three winners met a number of Members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tony Smith, and Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese.
This year’s competition was judged by a panel comprised of Speaker Tony Smith, Member for Reid Dr Fiona Martin, Member for Bean David Smith and Member for Warringah Zali Steggall.
To cap off their visit to Parliament House, the winners took a special tour of the building, met with their local Members and a number of other Members, including Member for Cowan Dr Anne Aly. Finally, the winners attended Question Time on Tuesday 15 October as guests of the Speaker.
A video of the event where the students delivered their speeches is available below.