National Schools Constitutional Convention

The Schools Constitutional Conventions program started as an initiative of the Constitutional Centenary Foundation in 1995 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 aims to:

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

National Schools Constitutional Convention 2010a

Delegates in working groups

Previous topics

NSCC programs are developed in consultation with leading constitutional lawyers. Previous topics have included:

  • A new constitutional preamble for Australia? (2009)
  • An Australian Republic: To be or not to be? (2008)
  • Federalism: Where to now? (2007)
  • Governing Australia: Should it be fixed or flexible? (2006)
  • The Executive: Its role and responsibility in the Australian system of government (2005)
  • Senate Reform: House of review or obstruction? (2004)
  • Writing in Rights: Is the time right for an Australian Bill of Rights? (2003)
The 2010 National Schools Constitutional Convention

The fifteenth National Schools Constitutional Convention was held at Old Parliament House in Canberra on 23–25 March 2010. One hundred and twenty-three 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 2010 National Schools Constitutional Convention was ‘Federalism: Unite or Divide?’.

Communiqué

A communiqué summarising the events and resolutions of the 2010 National Schools Constitutional Convention was composed by the student delegates, and presented to Senator Claire Moore, Senator for Queensland, representing the President of the Senate, for presentation to Parliament and incorporation into Hansard.

National Schools Constitutional Convention 2010b

Presenting the Communiqué to Senator Claire Moore, Senator for Queensland

Previous conventions

For the communiqués of previous conventions, select from the list on this page.