Students meet Prime Minister

TEN Casey Secondary College students travelled to Canberra to meet Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recently.
The City of Casey’s 2010 Australia Day Study Tour saw students from local schools head off on a four-day excursion to learn about the three tiers of government.
Now in its 26th year, the tour is awarded to 10 students nominated by their secondary school and presented as part of The City of Casey’s Australia Day celebrations.
City of Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said the tour aimed to celebrate young people and help them learn about local, State and Federal governments.
“As part of the program, the students were guests at the council meeting on 16 February, which formed part of the local government stage of their tour,” Cr Wreford said.
“Also in February, the students spent a full day at State Parliament and met with a number of state parliamentarians where they had the chance to ask a range of questions.
“This proved to be a very exciting and valuable learning experience.”
When in Canberra, the students discussed a range of issues with the Prime Minister including education, the environment and youth allowance.
They also visited Parliament House, the High Court of Australia, the National Archives of Australia, the Federal Police Training College and the National Museum of Australia.
“Young people make a valuable contribution to our community and act as important role models for people of all ages,” Cr Wreford said.
“The Australia Day Study Tour award is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn more about Australia – in particular its levels of government, and develop friendships with students from other schools.
“Many of the participants go on to become more active in local groups, within their schools and take the lead in developing and assisting with other council youth programs.”