The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Dick MP and Dan Tehan MP have launched the Department of the House of Representatives’ My First Speech Competition for local schools in Wannon.

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 of 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.

To learn more about the competition and submit their entries, students can visit the dedicated competition website: mfs.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au.

For further information and inquiries regarding the My First Speech competition, please contact Dan Tehan’s office on T | 1300 131 692 or E | dan.tehan.mp@aph.gov.au

“The My First Speech competition is a fantastic opportunity for young people across Wannon to have their voices heard and to share their ideas for Australia’s future,” said Mr Tehan.

“Whether it’s agriculture, cost-of-living pressures, education, the environment or opportunities for regional communities, this competition allows students to speak up about the issues they care about and experience our democracy in action.

“We have many talented and thoughtful students in our region, and I encourage them to take up this challenge and showcase their passion, creativity and leadership,” said Mr Tehan.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP said, “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.

“This competition will provide high school students with the chance 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.”

ENDS

Media contact: Sandie Gustus M | 0408 564 232 E | sandie.gustus@aph.gov.au