Grace Bartel, a Year 11 student from 鶹ѡ, was selected to participate in the 30th National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC), an esteemed event that brings together 120 students from across Australia to explore the intricacies of the Australian Constitution. This year’s convention took place from Tuesday, 25 March to Thursday, 27 March 2025, at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra.
Year 11 Student Grace Bartel pictured on the right.
The NSCC, funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and coordinated by National Curriculum Services, provides students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of parliamentary processes and the ways in which decisions made in parliament can impact communities across the nation. Grace was joined by 24 other students representing Victoria in this prestigious event.
The 2025 Convention theme, ‘Revisiting Sections 51ii and 90 to Reimagine Australia’s Fiscal Federalism,’ aimed to engage students in examining the fiscal relationships between the Commonwealth and the states as defined by these sections of the Australian Constitution. With guidance from Emeritus Professor Clement Macintyre from the University of South Australia, participants debated the complexities of fiscal federalism and proposed potential reforms.
During the three-day event, students attended a variety of sessions, including a mock referendum, a visit to Parliament House, and a meeting with Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC at Government House. Additionally, Grace had the opportunity to connect with her local representative, Dr Helen Haines, Member for Indi, gaining further insight into the impact of national decision-making on her community.
The outcomes of the Convention will be compiled into a Communiqué to be presented to the President of the Senate, Senator The Hon Sue Lines, for tabling in Parliament and recording in Hansard.
With an application process that began in 2024, Grace applied in the hope of gaining a deeper understanding of how decisions are made in Parliament. The experience proved to be incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to connect with like-minded students from across the state and country, all passionate about politics and the ways parliamentary decisions shape our communities—particularly in regional areas.
鶹ѡ congratulates Grace on this exceptional opportunity and commends her for her commitment to learning more about the Australian Constitution and its implications for regional communities.