Australian Constitutional Convention

During Week 8, Bailey Bower (Year 12) attended the 30th Australian Constitutional Convention as a NSW delegate, along with 119 other students from around Australia. Bailey earned this opportunity after being selected as one of 30 NSW delegates following the NSW Constitutional Convention in late-2024.

I had the privilege of accompanying Bailey to Canberra in my role as his HSIE teacher, where he engaged with the topic of ‘fiscal federalism,’ which relates to revenue sharing and grants between the Commonwealth and State Governments. These Constitutional powers have important implications for Commonwealth-State relations and government expenditure in Australia, and the delegates made some powerful arguments in favour and against Constitutional change. The Convention was held at Old Parliament House, with students being immersed in the history of Australia’s parliamentary democracy.

In addition to the Convention itself, delegates were presented with amazing opportunities to learn more about Australia’s parliamentary system. They viewed the delivery of the 2025 Federal Budget in the House of Representatives, received an address from the Hon. Andrew Leigh MP, met several Federal Members of Parliament, met the Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC at her official residence, and attended an address by 2024 ACT Young Australian of the Year – Caitlin Figueiredo at the National Press Club, as well as a range of other exciting opportunities.

Bailey represented Farrer and regional NSW proudly and made excellent contributions to the Convention and associated activities.

~ Mr Jarrad Smith, HSIE Teacher