Both Glen Innes high school captains got a look inside the 'bear pit' today, in a trip hosted by their local MP.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
School captains Naomi Eastwood and Alejandro Crossly visited parliament house in Sydney today as part of the parliament's student leadership program. They also visited government house, the governor's mansion.
Macquarie street t has been colloquially known as the 'bear pit' since the 19th century thanks to the notoriously boisterous and aggressive behavior of MPs, particularly in question time.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the leadership program was an opportunity for students to meet their elected representatives and to develop their knowledge of constitutional and parliamentary proceedings.
"Naomi and Alejandro were exceptional ambassadors for their school and the Glen Innes community," he said.
"It was a pleasure to have them in Parliament and personally welcome and provide them with a tour of the building, including both (upper and lower house) chambers."
Mr Marshall said the student leaders, together with their colleagues from schools across country NSW, began the day listening to addresses from MPs before quizzing them on the life of a politician.
Later in the day, the leaders were hosted by new NSW Governor Margaret Beazley at a reception at Government House.
"All the student leaders were able to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the Parliament, including the machinations of the 'bear pit', and were introduced to some of the constitutional foundations of our state," Mr Marshall said.
"School leadership is where many national, state and local government representatives are inspired to pursue their careers in community service.
"Being a school leader is an incredible privilege as they are elected by their entire student body and I hope some of students from yesterday continue with their leadership ambitions into the future.
"It was wonderful to meet Naomi and Alejandro and I hope they enjoyed their time visiting the people's parliament and learned a lot."