Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has teamed up with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Milton Dick MP, to officially launch the 2026 My First Speech competition for local
secondary students.
The national initiative invites students in years 10, 11 and 12 to step into the shoes of a newly elected Member of Parliament by writing and recording a three-minute video of their hypothetical maiden speech on a topic they are passionate about.
One winner will be selected from each year group nationwide, receiving an all-expenses-paid trip to Parliament House in Canberra — including flights and accommodation — alongside a $250 prize pack. In a major highlight, the winners will also get the rare opportunity to deliver their speeches live to the Speaker and federal politicians
inside Parliament House.
Mr Chester strongly encouraged young Gippslanders to take advantage of the platform to put regional issues in the
national spotlight.
“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.”
Speaker Milton Dick stated that fostering parliamentary education among young Australians has been a core focus of
his tenure.
“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.”
Submissions for the competition close at 11.59 pm on Monday, July 20. Entry guidelines and further details can be accessed
via the Parliament of Australia website.
