Emanuel student at Constitutional Convention
Emanuel School student, Jonathan Katz, is one of 125 Year 11 and 12 students selected to investigate Australian Federalism: a question of balance, at the 17th National Schools’ Constitutional Convention, being held at Old Parliament House in Canberra this week.
Jonathan Katz
Facilitated by Emeritus Professor John Warhurst, Professor of Political Science at the Australian National University, Jonathan together with other selected delegates will explore whether there is a case to be made for the Commonwealth to assume full powers over health and water in Australia.
Students will hear a panel of experts discuss the advantages, disadvantages and issues raised by such a proposal and, through working groups, delegates will explore the principles that inform the division of powers between the respective levels of government in Australia.
The Convention is funded by the Australian Government as part of its ongoing commitment for civics and citizenship education.
In becoming a national delegate, Jonathan was selected from around 4,000 students from government, independent and Catholic schools, most of whom took part in feeder conventions in their home state or territory.
Anne Hastings, Emanuel School Principal said, “We are so proud of Jonathan. We encourage our students to take an active role in wider community issues and to develop critical thinking. Jonathan, who is in Year 12, is an outstanding role model for our younger students.”
Jonathan, who is looking forward to the experience, said, “I am really glad to be given the opportunity to visit Canberra as part of this national level convention. I look forward to the opportunity to meet and connect with other passionate young people on issues that are so critical to our country.”
