Student Achievement - 2023 Queensland Schools Constitutional Convention

The aim of the program was to provide senior students with an opportunity to become better informed about how Australia's Constitution provides a democratic framework and encouraged them to take an active interest in the operation of government.

The topic for the 2023 Convention was, ‘Constitutional Reform - Is section 128 still a necessary requirement to change such an important document as the Australian Constitution?’

Delegates discussed the importance of a double majority in Australia and compared our means of constitutional alteration to other nations including Canada, the United States of America and New Zealand. A mock referendum occurred where students found that the delegates from across the nation agreed that a double majority allowed for a more coherent system of checks and balances before a constitutional amendment is made, compared to a single majority.

Emeritus Professor John Warhurst AO facilitated the Convention where Charlotte, along with other delegates, spent two days exploring the topic. During the 2 days, students heard from experts, debated the main issues relating to the topic, and voted in a mock referendum conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission. The program included the Prime Minister’s Welcome Reception at Parliament House, a meeting with the Governor-General, The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) at Government House, and a dinner at the High Court of Australia.

As a national delegate, Charlotte was selected from hundreds of students from government, independent and Catholic schools, most of whom took part in feeder conventions in their home state or territory.