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ts and teachers ge for studen Project pa In return for this courtesy, the member must follow a few conventions. &)234!.$&/2%-/34 The Address in Reply is usually This includes keeping the speech spread over several sittings and allows succinct and uncontroversial, so as not Not long after a new parliament members to speak on any matter to provoke interjection. is opened, newly elected members they wish for up to 20 minutes. It is Members are also asked not be have the opportunity to make customary for members to make their tediously repetitive or debate a matter their ‘first speech’ in the House of first speech during this debate in the which may be debated later in the Representatives. House of Representatives. sitting period. A member’s first speech, previously We’re all ears It is also customary for members not referred to as a ‘maiden speech’, is to make unkind references to what a tradition that originated from the There is a convention in the House others have said in their first speeches. British House of Commons. that a first speech is heard without interjection or interruption, and the It is a significant occasion and an What they said Speaker normally draws the attention opportunity for a new member to With broader changes in Australian of the House to the fact that a culture and more people entering outline to the parliament what they member is making a first speech. hope to achieve. politics from non-traditional Although there have been occasions backgrounds, it should come as no However, it may not necessarily be when a member’s first speech has not surprise that a wide variety of views the first time a member speaks in the been heard in silence, most of the time and ideals are expressed in House – for example, if a member people remain quiet out of courtesy first speeches. speaks as a minister or opposition for the member. spokesperson then it is not counted as a first speech. Members’ first speeches are as diverse as the people they represent in their electorates. In their first speeches many members choose to express their political views and goals while others thank their supporters or speak about personal experiences. Members may also mention specific issues affecting the people in their electorates, such as health or education, or speak about financial or economic matters. Normally, a first speech is made in the House of Representatives during the Address in Reply debate. The Address in Reply debate is a formal communication from the House to the sovereign or the Governor-General. This debate generally occurs at the start of each parliament to thank the Governor- General for his or her opening speech. Cartoon: Pat Campbell WWWAPHGOVAUMYFIRSTSPEECH /6%24/9/5x /6%24/9/5x Record your first speech Imagine you are a newly elected member of the House of Representatives. Write a three minute speech about an issue or issues you feel passionate about. My First Speech It could be of interest to the people in your area or something competition you want to communicate to SPEAK UP: An MP’s first speech is a significant occasion. the federal parliament and to Photo: AUSPIC If you are an Australian secondary student enrolled in the people of Australia. Record On 26 October 2010, Australia’s years 10 to 12, you are invited to yourself presenting the speech youngest-ever MP, Wyatt Roy write your own first speech then on video and send your entry on (Longman, Qld), declared in his first present your speech on video. CD or DVD to the International speech: “I am not a young member It is part of a new competition and Community Relations of parliament; I am a member of run by the Australian parliament Office, PO Box 6021, Parliament parliament who happens to be young.” and you can submit your video House, Canberra ACT 2600. to the parliament for judging. Entries close Thursday 16 June The first Indigenous member in the The winning video will be 2011. House of Representatives, Ken Wyatt incorporated into an exhibition (Hasluck, WA) said “there is no ‘one For inspiration, ideas and more at Parliament House in Canberra details go to the competition size fits all’ solution to deal with any and the winner and runner-up social issue”. website: www.aph.gov.au/ will be flown to Canberra for myfirstspeech Both the Prime Minister and the launch. The winner will also Opposition Leader spoke about their receive a cash prize of $250 for guiding philosophies during their first themselves and $500 for speeches. In November 1998, Julia their school, with the runner-up Gillard (Lalor, Vic) said “we stand receiving $100 for themselves for the right of ordinary Australians and $250 for their school. – those who have neither wealth nor power – to a fair go”. In May 1994, Tony Abbott said: “I place on record For more on the work, procedures my deep conviction that, nourished and history of the House of by the past and inspired by our Representatives, you can get the great ideals, there is no limit to what House of Representatives history pack Australia can achieve.” ‘A House for the Nation’, including cd-rom encyclopaedia, four episode And commenting on the unique documentary and study guide, for opportunity afforded to each member $55 (including GST). To order: in a first speech, the current Speaker email [email protected] or phone of the House of Representatives freecall 1800 139 299. Harry Jenkins (Scullin, Vic) said in April 1996, “it is a pity that the time allotted for me to speak is so relatively short, especially when one has such an DEBUT: Wyatt Roy, the youngest member of the House of attentive audience”. Representatives, making his first speech. Photo: aapone.

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