The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Dick MP and Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey are today launching the Department of the House of Representatives’ My First Speech Competition for schools in the Parkes electorate.
This national competition welcomes students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to envision themselves as newly elected Members of the House of Representatives and write a 3-minute speech focusing on a topic they’re passionate about.
One winner from each year group will receive an expenses-paid trip to Parliament House in Canberra, including flights and accommodation, and a prize pack valued at $250. They will also present their speech to the Speaker and members live at Parliament House.
Entries to the My First Speech Competition close on 11.59pm AEST on Monday 20 July 2026.
For information and entry submission, please visit the website: https://mfs.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au/
For further information and inquiries regarding the My First Speech competition, please contact my office at jamie.chaffey.mp@aph.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP:
“One of my key priorities as Speaker has been to promote parliamentary education to students across the country, and this is yet another exciting way that young people can take an active role in our democratic system,” Mr Dick said.
“This competition will provide high school students with the chance to learn more about the way our nation’s democracy works, and how actively engaging with the parliamentary process can draw attention to the issues that are most important to them.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey:
“I would really like to see a future Prime Minister come out of the electorate of Parkes, and the My First Speech Competition is a great place to start,” Mr Chaffey said.
“I encourage Year 10, 11 and 12 students across the electorate to put pen to paper to write a speech about something that really means something to them. They might be giving this speech to Parliament later this year.”
ENDS
Media contact: Marie Low | 0491 940 108 | marie.low@aph.gov.au