Members Statement: Willmott Park Primary School

Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — I rise to congratulate students and teachers on another successful Prime Minister for a day initiative at Willmott Park Primary School in my electorate. PM for a day is an outstanding program that gives grade 6 students the opportunity to learn about our important democratic processes, from nominating candidates to electing class prime ministers. Each chosen leader had the opportunity to run activities, eat in the ‘grand staffroom’, make election commitments and deliver speeches. These grade 6 students also visited our national capital, where students no doubt gained a valuable insight into the practical operation of our democratic processes while meeting some of their federal representatives, including Rob Mitchell, the federal member for McEwen. I hope that these students also get the opportunity, either through school or with their families, to visit us in their state Parliament.

Congratulations to Adam Sayers, the grade 6 team leader at Willmott Park Primary, and all the students, teachers and parents who make this valuable program possible. I would encourage other schools in my electorate and across the state to consider running similar programs. One day we may even see a member for Yuroke who went through the PM for a day program! Active participation in and knowledge of our democracy is something that every member in this place would encourage, and by teaching these attributes to our young people at an early stage through programs like PM for a day, we ensure that the importance of our democratic institutions is understood.