National Schools Constitutional Convention – 25 to 27 March 2025
The National Schools Constitutional Convention is a national event for secondary school students, where a total of 120 students is selected nation-wide each year to attend and debate constitutional issues and consider topics designed to increase their understanding of the Australian Constitution and system of government. Held at the seat of the Federal Government, Parliament House, this is an all-expenses paid trip for some of the best and brightest students in the nation, where they develop their knowledge and skills across three days in Canberra.
Our 2025 School Captain Ricardo Vom was successful in obtaining a place to attend, as one of 25 Victorian representatives. In Victoria alone, 125 students from 50 different schools applied to attend this event, and so Ricardo’s achievement is a testament to his excellent leadership and personal qualities.
This year’s Convention was held from the 25th to 27th of March. Students from across the country headed to airports, met their supervisors, and flew to the capital of Australia to participate in the Constitutional Convention. Here are some of Ricardo’s reflections on his experience:
- How did you feel when you were successful in your application?
When I first received the confirmation email, I was shocked and excited to see that I was chosen as one of the Victorian delegates, and I could not wait to meet the other students with whom I would spend the trip with. Upon receiving the email, we were also given a packet of information to pre-read on the chosen topic for this year’s convention: ‘Revisiting Sections 51ii and 90 to reimagine Australia’s Fiscal Federalism – Does the Constitution allow us to maintain national priorities while embracing new regional economic possibilities?’
- How did this experience develop your leadership skills?
This experience improved my leadership skills as I was surrounded by 120 students, most of them also being leaders, from all the states and territories of Australia, and we were put into different groups for three days to collaborate and discuss the chosen topics. This developed my communication skills as we openly discussed and balanced between the positives and negatives of revising sections 51ii and 90. In this process, we acknowledged each other’s opinions, as well as allowed each other the proper time to voice our views and concerns, which is crucial for a leader. Another way in which I felt my leadership skills improved was having the opportunity to approach and connect with people I did not and the perspective I gained from them based on where they were from, the state, or if they were metro or regional, and how a revision in the constitution could benefit their community or potentially be exploited by larger corporations. Having a larger perspective of those around you allows you to make a greater choice that is favourable for more people, which this experience allowed me to see.
- What were your favourite parts of this trip? What did you enjoy the most?
My favourite parts of the trip were the times between activities when I had an opportunity to speak to the other students and learn about how their lives in different states compare to my own in Victoria, as well as the Victorian students from rural areas who shared similarities and differences with our school. A key event was attending the Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House and watching live, the Government and the Opposition go back and forth, almost like children fighting, which was entertaining. This moment was most memorable to me as it showed me a different side to politics that I was unaware of, and it was interesting to watch how these adults were constantly interrupting each other, getting told to use appropriate language, and scrolling on TikTok!
- Would you recommend this to other students and leaders, and why?
I would 100% recommend this to everyone, regardless of whether you know much about politics or not, as it’s a chance to understand the system in which you will enter soon enough and is crucial for adults when we are asked to exercise our rights to vote and contribute to the outcome of our country. Having this understanding means seeing the potential privileges we may have but also helps expose us to certain structures that we may need to change or advocate for. This opportunity is not only about learning but also about building connections with those around you from all across Australia, including friendships that may last a lifetime.
Ms Amy Lee – Learning Specialist | High Ability Practice Leader | English and Humanities Teacher
