The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters will hold the first public hearing for its inquiry into civics education, engagement, and participation in Australia.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 23 May 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters will hold the first public hearing for its inquiry into civics education, engagement, and participation in Australia on Thursday 23 May 2024. Committee Chair, Ms Kate Thwaites MP, said ‘it’s concerning that many young Australians don’t have the grounding in civics to set them up to be confident participants in our democracy. ‘Data from the National Assessment Program – Civics and Citizenship shows that in 2019 just 38 per cent of Year 10 students and 53 per cent of Year 6 students achieved the ‘proficient’ standard. 'As we begin our inquiry, the Committee will be investigating how civics forms part of the Australian curriculum. We will also be examining the importance of media literacy, and listening to the voices of young people about how best to improve civics education. ‘The Committee will engage with young people, along with people in remote communities, new migrants and culturally and linguistically diverse Australians, to ensure that everyone in Australia is able to participate fully in our democratic system’. The Committee wants to hear from a wide range of people interested in the inquiry’s terms of reference. Submissions can be made through the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date:               Thursday 23 May 2024 Time:              10:00am – 4.00pm (Canberra time) Location:        Committee Room 1R2, Parliament House, Canberra Witnesses:     Australian Curriculum, Assessment, and Reporting Authority                           Department of Education                           Office for Youth                           Australian Media Literacy Alliance                           Australian Electoral Commission                           Foundation for Young Australians                           Australian Council for Student Voice                           Adjunct Associate Professor Elizabeth Tudball                           Dr Zareh Ghazarian                           Associate Professor Tanya Notley                           Dr Keith Heggart The hearing will be live broadcast via the Parliament’s Watch, Read, Listen website. Media inquiries Office of Kate Thwaites MP (Chair) (03) 9459 1411 Kate.Thwaites.MP@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2374 em@aph.gov.au

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters has commenced an inquiry into civics education, engagement, and participation in Australia, and is seeking written submissions in response to the Terms of Reference by Friday 24 May 2024.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 27 March 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters has commenced an inquiry into civics education, engagement, and participation in Australia, and is seeking written submissions in response to the Terms of Reference by Friday 24 May 2024. The Committee is particularly interested in hearing from people with direct experience of civics and citizenship education and challenges associated with electoral participation. This includes students and teachers, young people, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, civic and educational organisations, and people in regional, rural, and remote areas. Committee Chair, Ms Kate Thwaites MP, said ‘in a time when we’re seeing challenges for democracies across the world, and a rise in mis and disinformation, it’s important that every Australian has the opportunity to be informed about and engaged in our democracy. ‘The Committee wants to hear Australians’ experiences of civics education, and what we can do better to support democratic engagement and participation. ‘So many young Australians are passionate about social and political issues, but they may not have access to relevant and reliable information about democratic and electoral processes. ‘The diversity of cultures, languages, and life experiences within Australia means we need to ensure access to relevant, digestible, and accurate information about our democracy. This includes for First Nations peoples, people in remote areas and CALD communities.’ The Committee intends to present a final report for the inquiry by the end of 2024. Further information about the inquiry is available on the inquiry website. Media inquiries Office of Kate Thwaites MP (03) 9459 1411 Kate.Thwaites.MP@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2374 em@aph.gov.au