WHILE politics dominates the news due to the upcoming election, five Gladstone State High School students have put their hand up for a taste of the political arena as well.

Mary Klein, Jackie Hunter, Bianca Blades, Kimberley Duncan-Kemp and Alana Richards on Thursday attended the Regional Schools Constitutional Convention in Rockhampton.

Students at the convention were involved in a debate entitled, Australian Republic: To be or not to be?

As the school’s nominated delegate to speak at the event, student Mary Klein delivered a well received speech on the merits of retaining a constitutional monarchy.

Not only did she speak in front of other students, but politicians as well – including Queensland senators Claire Moore and Russell Trood.

Following a preferential vote – under strict guidance of an Australian Electoral Commission official – Mary was elected as one of two delegates to attend the National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra from March 17 to 20.

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 Australian democracy.

The first National Schools Constitutional Convention was held in 1995.

The five students selected from Gladstone State High School were chosen as representatives from the school’s Legal Studies and Modern History subjects.

This year was the first time Gladstone State High School students had taken part in the convention.

Source: The Observer