STUDENT leaders from Glen Innes High School have been given a taste of NSW politics in Sydney today, during a tour of the oldest Parliament in Australia.
School captains Naomi Eastwood and Alejandro Crossly were hosted by Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall during a Secondary Student Leadership Program, conducted by the NSW Parliamentary Education Branch, which included a visit to Government House.
“This program provides students with the opportunity to meet their elected representatives and to develop their knowledge of constitutional and parliamentary proceedings including the role of the Governor and the workings of the Parliament,” Mr Marshall said.
“Naomi and Alejandro were exceptional ambassadors for their school and the Glen Innes community.
“It was a pleasure to have them in Parliament and personally welcome and provide them with a tour of the building, including both Chambers.”
Mr Marshall said the student leaders, together with their colleagues from schools across country NSW, began the day listening to addresses from MPs before quizzing them on the life of a politician.
Later in the day, the leaders were hosted by new NSW Governor Margaret Beazley at a reception at Government House.
“All the student leaders were able to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the Parliament, including the machinations of the ‘Bear Pit’, and were introduced to some of the constitutional foundations of our State,” Mr Marshall said.
“School leadership is where many national, state and local government representatives are inspired to pursue their careers in community service.
“Being a school leader is an incredible privilege as they are elected by their entire student body and I hope some of students from yesterday continue with their leadership ambitions into the future.
“It was wonderful to meet Naomi and Alejandro and I hope they enjoyed their time visiting the ‘people’s parliament’ and learned a lot.”