A new education Bill introduced by the government has passed parliament – the Winmalee Public School parliament!

Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman attended the school on October 13 to make a presentation to Stage Three students on the workings of the Australian Parliament and attend a sitting of mock parliament conducted by the children as a visiting dignitary.

“Parliament began with the Sergeant-At-Arms – carrying a mace - escorting the Speaker, Liam, into the chair, and the Clerk beginning proceedings,” Ms Templeman said.

“Prime Minister Tillie’s government introduced the Bill to move the education system to “remote learning for all”, and it was hotly debated by both sides of the House.

“The Government argued the move was better for the economy and would result in more hospitals due to the demolition of all the schools, but Leader of the Opposition Ignatius told the House it would be harder for children to make friends and that “parents have had enough of their kids! Why should they have to suffer more through remote learning?”.

“Despite a lack of support from the cross bench, the Tillie Government Bill passed the house – amid much foot-stomping and “hear hears” from the benches – and the press gallery was then able to ask a number of questions.”

The visit was one of three organised by Ms Templeman’s office last week after children at Blaxland East, Warrimoo and Winmalee missed out on their annual excursions to Canberra due to COVID restrictions.

Presentations to students included a behind-the-scenes talk on how Parliament functions, with Ms Templeman showing photos and videos on the workings of the House of Representatives and Senate.

Winmalee’s school hall replicated the House of Representatives, with students sitting on the Government or Opposition side, or between the two on the cross benches.

All “MPs” had to stand when the Speaker entered the House and each MP speaking to the Bill had to step up to the Despatch Box to make their speech. Members of the Press Gallery asked questions of Ms Templeman after the House had risen.

Feedback from the day was very positive among the students.

“I am thinking of becoming a politician,” Prime Minister Tillie commented after the event. “I didn’t think anyone would vote for me to be Prime Minister because it’s only my third week here, but I’m really glad they did.”

Leader of the Opposition Ignatius said he was pleased with the arguments he put forward to the House.

“I had one argument that I was really proud of, and that was about some children who mightn’t be able to do remote learning because home isn’t safe for them,” he said. “Children with parents who abuse them have unsafe homes, and school is safer for them.”

Speaker Liam, who entered Parliament wearing an impressive cape, said he had enjoyed his role.

“It was pretty fun, I really liked keeping control of everyone and banging the gavel,” he said. “I watched a lot of Judge Judy beforehand.”

Teachers Emily Matthews, Deborah Greenhill and Diane Caira helped organise the event, and were congratulated by Assistant Principal Stage 3, Christopher Pyne, and Ms Templeman.

 Ms Templeman said it was a fun way for students to learn about how Parliament worked.

“While it’s disappointing the students couldn’t travel to Canberra and see the beautiful building, it was great to see them learning in a really practical way,” Ms Templeman said.

“I was impressed with the knowledge of students at all three schools, who answered some fantastic questions. I was asked everything from why I wanted to becom