Queensland Liberal Senator, Russell Trood, is expecting an energetic debate at the Wide Bay- Burnett Zone Schools Constitutional Convention tomorrow, when students will discuss ‘Australia Republic: to be or not to be?’

“Whether Australia should be a republic is an issue that is beginning to return to the national agenda and it is one that generates passionate debate so it should provide lively discussion,” Senator Trood said.

“Personally I have been a Republican for a long period of time and expect it is a further stage in Australia’s evolution as a self-confident country, proud of its liberal democratic heritage and looking with optimism to the future,” he said.

“It is therefore especially encouraging to visit regional schools and participate with students who are enthusiastic about issues of national importance,” he said.

A series of regional zone conventions are being held across Queensland as a prelude to the National Convention in Canberra at the end of April.

At each convention, keynote speakers stimulate discussion on the topic before senior students participate in a debate, after which delegates to the National Convention are elected.

The convention program involves senior secondary students from both state and non-state secondary schools and is organised by Education Queensland and supported by the Queensland Catholic Education Commission and Independent Schools, Queensland.

Schools represented at tomorrow’s convention are Hervey Bay SHS, Uragan SHS, Kepnock SHS, Kingaroy SHS, Maryborough SHS and Xavier Catholic College.

“The Constitutional Convention is an exciting program which encourages a new generation of students to think carefully about issues of long term importance to our country,” Senator Trood said.

“I am delighted to see such a worthwhile activity so well supported,” Senator Trood said.