Next Generation of Dawson Leaders Invited to Step into the Shoes of an MP
High school students across Dawson are being given a rare opportunity to step into the shoes of a federal member of parliament and bring the unique issues of their electorate straight to the floor of Parliament House.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Dick MP, and Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, are calling for entries in the 2026 My First Speech Competition for local senior students.
This national initiative invites students in Years 10, 11, and 12 to envision themselves as newly elected Members of Parliament and record a three-minute speech focusing on a topic they are deeply passionate about.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP, noted that promoting parliamentary education to students across the country is a key priority for his office.
“This 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.”
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, said the competition provides a high-impact platform for the region's next generation of leaders to make themselves heard.
“We have some incredibly bright, passionate young people across Dawson, from our high schools in Mackay and the Whitsundays right up to Burdekin and Townsville,” Mr Willcox said.
“This competition is a fantastic platform for our local students to find their voice, stand up, and put our region on the national stage.”
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. The highlight of the trip will see the winning students present their speeches live to the Speaker and Members of Parliament.
Mr Willcox said that he wants to see local entries reflect the distinct economic and social realities of Dawson.
“When I stand up in the chamber, I am fighting for our cane farmers, our resources sector, and the everyday families who keep our regional economies moving,” Mr Willcox said.
“I want our local students to think about what matters most to them, whether that is regional cost of living, local manufacturing, or the future of our agricultural industries, and bring that regional perspective straight to Canberra.”
Entries for the competition must be submitted before the deadline at 11.59pm AEST on Monday 20 July 2026.
Mr Willcox urged local schools and senior students not to miss out on the opportunity to showcase the talent of the electorate.
“Our young people are the future leaders, and their opinions deserve to be heard in the halls of Parliament House,” Mr Willcox said.
“I strongly encourage every eligible student in Dawson to get involved, draft their speech, and take hold of this rare opportunity to show the rest of Australia what our region is made of.”
For detailed guidelines, information, and entry submission, please visit the official website at https://mfs.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au/.
For further information and inquiries regarding the My First Speech competition, please contact the Dawson electorate office via andrew.willcox.mp@aph.gov.au.
ENDS
Caption: Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, encourages senior high school students across the region to enter the 2026 My First Speech Competition, to bring their unique voice to Canberra.
Contact: Amanda Wright | Media & Communications Adviser
P | 07 4944 0662 M | 0455 456 705 E | Amanda.Wright@aph.gov.au