THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick and Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey today launched the Department of the House of Representatives’ My First Speech Competition for schools in the Parkes electorate.

The 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 three-minute speech focusing on a topic they’re passionate about.

One winner from each 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, July 20, 2026.

Winners of the My First Speech Competition will present their speech to the Speaker and members, live at Parliament House.

Mr Dick said one of his key priorities as Speaker is to promote parliamentary education to students across the country.

“This is yet another exciting way young people can take an active role in our democratic system,” Mr Dick said.

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

Mr Chaffey wants to see a future Prime Minister come out of the electorate of Parkes, and said the My First Speech Competition is a great place to start.

“I encourage Year 10, 11 and 12 students across the electorate to put pen to paper to write a speech about something that really means something to them,” he said.

“They might be giving this speech to Parliament later this year.”

For information and entry submission, please visit House of Representatives.

For further information and inquiries regarding the My First Speech competition, please contact Mr Chaffey’s office at [email protected]