Federal Member for Monash Mary Aldred has encouraged secondary school students across the electorate to enter the 2025 "My First Speech" competition, recently launched by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick.
The national competition is open to students in years 10, 11 and 12. Entrants are asked to imagine themselves as a newly elected member of parliament and write and submit a 300-word first speech and discuss the issues they care most about.
Three winners, one from each year level, will be flown to Canberra with a parent or guardian to deliver their speeches live in Parliament House and take part in a special program of events and meetings.
Ms Aldred said the competition was a fantastic opportunity for young Australians to foster a deeper understanding of Australia's democracy and give them a platform to express their views.
"This is an outstanding opportunity for students in our local Monash community to stand up and be heard on the national stage" Ms Aldred said.
"I encourage all year 10, 11 and 12 students in Monash to take part. Whether it's the cost of living, mental health, education or whatever issue matters most to them, this is their opportunity to advocate on the issues that they are most passionate about."
Entries can be submitted online at www.mfs.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au. Submissions close on Monday September 15.