CHESTER AND SPEAKER LAUNCH MY FIRST SPEECH COMPETITION
FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Dick MP, have launched the 2026 My First Speech Competition for Gippsland students.
The national competition invites students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to imagine they have been elected as a Member of the House of Representatives and record a three-minute speech on an issue they are passionate about.
One winner from each year group will receive an expenses-paid trip to Parliament House in Canberra, including flights and accommodation, as well as a prize pack valued at $250. Winners will also have the opportunity to present their speech to the Speaker and Members of Parliament at Parliament House.
Mr Chester encouraged Gippsland students to take part and use the competition as an opportunity to raise the issues that matter most to them.
“Younger Gippslanders are the future leaders of our region and what they have to say is important,” Mr Chester said.
“This competition gives local secondary school students the chance to speak up about the issues they care about and have their voices heard on a national stage.
“Whether they are passionate about education, the environment, mental health, regional services, sport, technology or another issue affecting their community, I encourage students to get involved and share their ideas.”
Mr Dick said one of his key priorities as Speaker has been to promote parliamentary education to students across the country.
"The My First Speech Competition is yet another exciting way that 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."
Entries for the My First Speech Competition close at 11:59pm on Monday, July 20, 2026.
For more information or to submit an entry, visit mfs.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au
