Local Indigenous Students visit Parliament House
13-September-2011
Over 100 Indigenous students have travelled to Canberra this week to take part in the 2011 Learn Earn Legend! Work Experience with Government program.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed four local students from the Parkes Electorate. Jessica Morrison from Bourke, Nakitah Morison from Bourke, Demi Jeffery from Nyngan and Amelia Haley from Walgett are participating in the week long program which aims to provide students with hands-on experience about politics and public sector career options.
The students have spent the last two days experiencing life in Parliament House, including spending time with their allocated Member or Senator and attending Question Time.
“The Work Experience with Government Program provides a unique opportunity for these students to experience Parliament House and working within the public service,” Mr Coulton said. “It also allows the students to consider their options when they finish school.”
“I fully support programs like this that engage with our youth, and in particular our indigenous youth.”
“Jessica was really a pleasure to have in the office the last two days,” Mr Coulton said. “I took Jessica on a tour around Parliament House, she spotted the Prime Minister several times and she attended Question Time, which I believe she quite enjoyed. Jessica also helped my staff out in the office with general administration.”
“I know that Jessica has a very bright future ahead of her and I look forward to visiting Jessica back in Bourke.”
Nakitah was placed in the Member for Robertson Deb O’Neill’s office, Demi was placed in the office of the Member for Chifley Ed Husic and Amelia was in the office of NSW Senator John Williams.
The students will spend the rest of the week in Canberra where they will visit different agencies and departments before travelling home on Friday.