National Schools Constitutional Convention

The Schools Constitutional Conventions program aims to increase young Australians’ knowledge about the Australian Constitution and the role it plays in our democracy. The first National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) was held in 1995.

Benefits to students

The National Schools Constitutional Convention

• provides an opportunity for students in Years 11 and 12 to explore contemporary constitutional issues
• encourages students to become better informed about the Australian system of government and how the Australian Constitution provides the framework for our democracy
• encourages senior students to take an active interest in the traditions, processes and practices of government.

 
Senator the Hon Jacinta Collins, Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, presents certificates to two of the delegates after officially opening the Convention.

The 2012 National Schools Constitutional Convention

The seventeenth National Schools Constitutional Convention was held at Old Parliament House in Canberra on 21–23 March 2012. One hundred and twenty-four senior students, selected from feeder conventions conducted by the states and territories, represented government, independent and Catholic schools from across Australia. The topic for the 2012 National Schools Constitutional Convention was ‘Australian Federalism: A question of balance’.

A communiqué summarising the events and resolutions of the 2012 National Schools Constitutional Convention was composed by the student delegates, and presented to Senator the Hon Stephen Parry, Senator for Tasmania and Deputy President of the Senate, for presentation to parliament and incorporation into Hansard.

Delegates thank Convention facilitator Emeritus Professor John Warhurst AO on behalf of all the students.

Previous NSCC Communiques

NSCC programs are developed in consultation with leading constitutional experts. Communiques from previous years are available as PDFs:

• Should Australia become a republic? (2011)
• Federalism: unite or divide? (2010)
• A new constitutional preamble for Australia? (2009)

Read more NSCC Communiques.

Delegates present the Convention communiqué to Senator the Hon Stephen Parry, Deputy President of the Senate, in the House of Representatives chamber of Old Parliament House.