It’s made of silver and gold, weighs eight kilograms and sits on the central table in the main chamber of Parliament.
The Mace is a symbol of the authority of the House of Representatives and during the first sitting of the 48th Parliament of Australia in Canberra I was gifted a replica.
As I am a new Federal MP, Speaker Milton Dick presented me with one of the first four replica parliamentary Maces and it will travel the electorate of Hinkler in a bid to improve civics education in schools.
Made of plywood and dowel the replica illustrates the characteristics of the original, showing the head which bears a royal crown, the coat of arms, the royal cipher (a monogram with the King’s initials) and emblems of the six Australian states.
I have had the privilege of serving my community in all three levels of Government (local, state and federal) and I am very keen to help educate youngsters about the critical importance of our democracy and how Parliament works.
The replica Mace is the perfect tool to get conversations started and speak with our future leaders. A better understanding of civics through education and awareness will be a priority of mine in my first term as the Federal Member for Hinkler.
Since returning from my first sitting in Canberra, I’ve been busy presenting flags and engaging with local school students. The replica Mace has joined me on visits to Hervey Bay schools as well as Goodwood State School, Bundaberg South State School, and Bundaberg State High School. I have many more scheduled visits in the coming weeks.
My electorate office has a ‘Despatch Box’ for schools to borrow which is a hands-on, educational tool that can be used to teach students about parliamentary processes and practices. The box contains props for role play and learning materials.
You might’ve read in a Bundaberg Today article last week that I’ve also launched a ‘My First Speech’ competition for year 10, 11 and 12 students. Entries close in mid-September.
To end this week’s column, I will borrow the motto of my former school, Bundaberg State High, ‘Per Ardua Ad Astra.’ It is a Latin phrase that translates to ‘through hard work, to the stars.’ I quoted this line in my first speech and continue to live by it.
Published column in Bundaberg Today on August 22