Greetings from Canberra where it is the final sitting of Federal Parliament before the winter break.
Apart from all the day to day duties of Federal Parliament, over the next two weeks it will be a great privilege to welcome two schools from my electorate who have also made the long trek from Central Queensland to Canberra.
Those schools are Heights College and Clermont State school.
Not only will they get a tour of Parliament House, but I will be showing them first-hand how our system of government works.
The students will see the House of Representatives, The Senate, The Great Hall, Federation Chamber and so much more.
This year, I am proud to say is my 10th year of being your representative as the Federal Member of Capricornia.
The privilege and honour of doing this job is never lost on me and I hope to convey a little bit of that to the students who visit.
There is something incredibly daunting and amazing about working and visiting this incredible building in Canberra where big decisions are made.
I hope a visit to Parliament House will inspire these Year 12 students to consider a career in politics or to just take an interest in how the Federal Government works and how the decisions made affect them and others around them.
I would like to inspire them to not be cynical about the system, respect it and understand that for all its flaws, it is the best system of government in the world.
I will also be reminding them that:
A democracy relies on the participation of its citizens. They participate not just by voting, but by getting involved in their community. This might be by joining a charity, a political party or an environmental or community group.
A democratic society is one that works towards the ideals of democracy:
– Respect for individuals, and their right to make their own choices.
– Tolerance of differences and opposing ideas.
– Equity—valuing all people and supporting them to reach their full potential.
– Each person has freedom of speech, association, movement, and freedom of belief.
– Justice—treating everyone fairly, in society and in court.
I would welcome any school from Capricornia to come down to Canberra and participate in this program.
I just want to quickly mention that the show season is rolling on.
It was wonderful to be a part of the Yeppoon Show last weekend, and of course this week it is the Rockhampton Show at the Showgrounds.
I will as mentioned earlier be in Canberra so will miss it this year which saddens me.
I notice the Rocky Show website says:
‘Whether you like sideshows and showbags, dagwood dogs and daring stunts, crafty competitions, or rides and reptile shows.’
Well, I have to say I love it all with a special mention for the craft and food competitions.
It is a wonderful showcase for the many talented Australians in regional areas who do incredible things.
I hope all the people involved and those who go have a wonderful time.
