My First Speech Competition 2026 open for entries

THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP, today launched the Department of the House of Representatives’ My First Speech competition.

The competition's positioning statement tells it straight: 'Imagine yourself as a newly elected member of the House of Representatives. You have Parliament’s attention. What will you say?'

This national competition invites students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to envision themselves as newly elected members of the House of Representatives and write a three-minute speech that focusses on a topic they’re passionate about.

One winning entrant from each year group will win an expenses-paid trip to Canberra to present their speech at Parliament House to the Speaker and guests, as well as a prize pack valued at $250.

“One of my key priorities as Speaker has been to promote parliamentary education to students across the country, and 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 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 to the My First Speech competition are open now and close at 11.59pm AEST on Monday July 20, 2026. For information and entry submission, visit the website: www.aph.gov.au/mfs

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