SYDNEY: Over three weeks in May, representatives of the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) returned to Hamazkaine Arshak & Sophie Galstaun College to deliver the ninth annual Galstaun Government Program.
Established in 2018 as one of the ANC-AU’s earliest outreach initiatives, the Galstaun Government Program has inspired civic engagement among Armenian-Australian students by providing practical workshops and real-world simulations that demonstrate the impact politics and public policy have on everyday life in Australia.
Conducted over three days at Australia’s largest Armenian day school, the program commenced with Year 8, 9 and 10 students forming political parties, selecting party names, appointing leadership teams and developing policy platforms.
On the second day, Year 8 students participated in a mock parliamentary debate, examining whether Australian schools should adopt a four-day school week. Through the exercise, students gained first-hand experience of parliamentary procedure, minority governments, legislative processes and the role of debate in the Australian political system. Following a spirited exchange featuring points of order, the ejection of several MPs and a dramatic floor-crossing, the Government ultimately secured enough support to pass its legislation.
The program culminated on the third day with the highly anticipated mock election campaign and leaders’ debate. After spending two weeks researching policies, preparing campaign materials and promoting their respective parties, Year 9 and 10 students presented their visions for the school community to their fellow students.
Students proposed a range of creative and innovative policies, including more flexible uniform requirements, weekly sausage sizzles and the establishment of a school billiards team. Following a closely contested preferential ballot, the “Peace By Students” party emerged victorious over the “Joseph is Leader Party”, despite the latter securing the highest primary vote.
ANC-AU Political Affairs Director Sebastian Majarian said the program played an important role in fostering civic participation and leadership within the Armenian-Australian community: “Programs like Galstaun Government are central to the ANC-AU’s efforts to cultivate an engaged, informed and politically active community, particularly among younger generations,” Mr Majarian said.
“Each year, it is incredibly rewarding to return to Galstaun College and witness the enthusiasm, creativity and leadership shown by these students. Their passion for making a positive difference in their community gives us great confidence in the future.
“We hope that initiatives such as this will inspire more young Armenian-Australians to pursue careers in public service, advocacy and politics, ensuring our community continues to have a strong voice in the halls of power across Australia.”
