Canberra Tour

Politics — Canberra with a capital C…naturally!

The VCE Legal Studies and Political Studies students ventured to our national capital for a 4-day study tour in March. It was always going to be an adventure, made even more relevant with Australia being a member of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’. Our first challenge was boarding flight QF678 on Monday morning that was preceded by one of our many ‘increased security measures’. We learnt very publicly that scissors in the first aid kit (with the Sherrin!) were not OK! We barely had time to relax into our pre-packaged sandwiches and shuffle our complimentary playing cards before we’d landed, posed for our (first) mandatory group photo and were driven around the Defence Force Academy at Duntroon. By late afternoon we were roaming the grounds of the Australian Institute of Sport. Andrew, an elite rower-tour guide, provided insights into the facilities and training regimes of the athletes. We were mesmerised by the gymnasts in action and drew parallels with army boot camp. We poured over the sporting memorabilia and tested our own physical aptitudes in the hands-on visitors’ centre. Most of us struggled to shoot a basket from a wheel chair but happily posed on the dais accepting a gold medal. Tuesday proved to be a very busy and historical (somewhat hysterical) day in Parliament House. Our orientation tour totally disoriented most but everyone enjoyed the education program where we debated a mock bill — in costume! We caught up with former De La students, Senator Michael Foreshaw and MHR Daryl Melham who shared personal anecdotes about life as a pollie. The Federal Treasurer and Member for Higgins, Peter Costello also met us and dealt tactfully with our ‘questions without notice’. The Prime Minister, John Howard took the highly extraordinary step of suspending Question Time, in lieu of delivering a speech explaining the Government’s decision to deploy Australian troops in Iraq. We were locked out; the House was in mayhem, Canberra was on red alert! As we retreated to the bus and drove around playing ‘spot the Embassies’ (a popular Canberra car game!) we listened attentively to the live telecast of Howard’s speech and Opposition Leader, Simon Crean’s response. We all appreciated our time in the High Court of Australia, being familiar with its importance as the pinnacle of the judicial system. We all took note of where the ‘fountain scene’ in The Castle was filmed and reflected on Daryl Kerrigan and the vibe of the thing. On Wednesday, our visit to Old Parliament House provided a real contrast with the new. We felt part of the place’s history when we sat in the leather couches of the Chambers, dressed up to re-enacted significant events, learned about the function of the Cabinet Room and wondered about all the stories that those walls could tell. Of particular interest was the Prime Minister’s Office, recreated just as the then Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, had left it. We all had a chuckle at the cryptic crossword puzzle, racing form guide and ashtray prominently displayed on his desk. Some related more than others! Exploring the Australian War Memorial provided many poignant reminders of Australia’s involvement in conflicts - the Hall of Memory, the Roll of Honour, the eternal flame, Anzac Hall and numerous galleries and exhibits. It was all quite bizarre, especially given the Prime Minister’s address the previous day. Other significant items on our itinerary included the panoramic night views from Telstra Tower, the energising bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin, the hands-on exploration of the National Museum and a return visit to Parliament House. We enjoyed our picnic lunch in the park whilst educating the local Territorians about the true national football code, then exhausted, boarded flight QF815 bound for Tullamarine International Airport and Bruce Springsteen Live at the Telstra Dome! Ms Sandra Venneri VCE Legal Studies Teacher