My Voice My Vote by Pam Hammond, Education Adviser

My Voice My Vote started as a result of research finding that young people were disengaged with the democratic processes. We hope that the students who attend will go on to better grasp the intricacies of our democratic system. Since 2014, 40 different schools have participated, some many times, and a total of 600 students. These events have raised students’ awareness of the rights and responsibilities of voting; gender issues in local and state governments; lack of diversity in local organisations and councils; attitudes of young people to voting; when women and First Nations people were able to vote; giving voice to students about the Role of Treaty in achieving Reconciliation and Social Media – a blessing or a curse.

The 2025 theme: What is special about Australian Democracy was designed to have students examining our democracy and comparing with other countries. The event commenced in Queen’s Hall at 9:15, then moved into the Legislative Council Chamber, where Elida Brereton, President NCWV, welcomed guests, panel members, teachers, and students, then introduced the keynote speaker Lucy Skelton. She was part of the Melbourne Girls’ College team and speaker at My Vote My Voice in 2018 and 2019. Lucy has had many interesting roles since then. She realised that being involved in politics was the way to influence change and show that young people should be there, so she ran for Parliament only losing by 3000 votes. With nearly a decade of experience in advocacy and volunteering Lucy is now a policy analyst, CEO and founder of FORE Australia, a social enterprise which assists organisations get ideas to decision makers. Last year, she joined the team at Global Voices, where she helps lead delegations of young Australians to international forums.

Lucy challenged the students ‘What will you do after your speech?’ She outlined three steps: have a clear Ask – what is the issue; Identify who to approach, why reach out/trust them; what do you want them to do. Another factor is choosing the right level of government. We then played the Jurisdiction Game. She encouraged all to get politically involved and not to be concerned about age. You gain more access when you are involved. Mentoring can assist in your development.

The schools participating were: Firbank Grammar, Jiayuan Charity Music School, Al Siraat College, Mullauna Secondary College, Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School, MacRobertson Girls’ High School, Star of the Sea College, Rosehill Secondary College, Melbourne Girls’ College, Ringwood Secondary College. Most students spoke clearly, making eye contact with the audience, all addressed the theme extremely well, with different emphases, including compulsory voting; women voting/standing for parliament before other countries; preferential voting; access to parliamentarians; local govt system. The panel noted all of this and gave general feedback at the end. Their assessments of each group have been used to nominate Awards. Matt Fregon MP, Deputy Speaker, spoke about voting and the responsibility of MPs, congratulating the students and encouraging them to become involved.

Pam Robinson AM, NCWV Council Member: Wow, what a great morning of Student Presentations. An absolute winner, which provided a valuable experience for the students presenting in Parliament House, and for their schools, as well as others attending. Leaving Parliament House, I wonderfully came across one of the boy students on his phone saying 'Hi Mum, it was really, really good' and at the bottom of the steps down to Spring Street, a bunch of the girls stopped me to say they were going to ask their teacher and parents if they can join NCWV, asking me ‘it's free for us to join isn't it? Can we just come to some things if not all?’. My reply: Yes, Yes.

From one of the guests: May I congratulate you and your “National Council of Women” team for the wonderful session you organised with so many schools covering our youth view of explaining “Why our Democracy is special”. The students were informed, passionate, articulate and all-round fantastic. Watch out world - here they come! Well equipped they are to do so.