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.
Previous topics
NSCC programs are developed in consultation with leading constitutional lawyers. Previous topics have included:
- 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)
- Beyond Borders and Beliefs: Governing Australia in the Twenty-first century (2002)
- A Scorecard on Federation: Making federation work (2001)
The 2008 National Schools Constitutional Convention
The thirteenth National Schools Constitutional Convention was held at Old Parliament House in Canberra from 29 April to 1 May 2008. One hundred and twenty-two 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 2008 National Schools Constitutional Convention was ‘An Australian Republic: To be or not to be?’.
Communiqué
A communiqué summarising the events and resolutions of the National Schools Constitutional Convention was composed by the student delegates, and presented to Senator John Hogg, Deputy President of the Senate for incorporation into Hansard.
Previous conventions
For the communiqués of previous conventions, select from the list on this page.