The Queensland Government has launched a new international education initiative offering a select group of Queensland students and teachers the chance to explore democratic institutions in Australia and the United Kingdom.
The inaugural Westminster Prize will provide eight Year 9 students and two teacher chaperones with an overseas study experience in London, alongside educational visits to the parliaments of Canberra and Brisbane.
Applications open on Monday 18 May and are available to all Year 9 students across Queensland state schools, non-state schools and home education settings with a demonstrated interest in civics and citizenship. Applications close on 31 July, with interviews and selection scheduled for August and September.
Designed to strengthen students’ understanding of democratic systems and participation, the program combines international travel with structured learning experiences focused on parliamentary government.
Successful students will travel to the United Kingdom to explore the Westminster system, the foundation of Australia’s parliamentary democracy. They will also visit Australia’s federal Parliament in Canberra and Queensland’s Parliament in Brisbane, gaining direct exposure to how different levels of government operate.
Alongside the travel component, participants will undertake a community-based civics project, applying their learning to a local issue.
Queensland Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the program was intended to deepen students’ knowledge of democratic values and institutions.
“This exciting new program offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to travel to London, Canberra and Brisbane to learn about our rich history and political system,” Mr Langbroek said.
“Today’s students are our future leaders, and this initiative gives them the chance to travel, explore and deepen their understanding of democratic values.
“Through the Westminster Prize, the selected students will develop their understanding of Queensland’s parliamentary system, Australia’s federal democracy and the Westminster model in the UK.
“As well as their travels, the prize winners will deliver a local civics project focused on a community issue, applying their learning to real-world contexts.”
The Westminster Prize joins other education excellence initiatives in Queensland, including the Premier’s ANZAC Prize, the Premier’s Reading Challenge and the Peter Doherty Awards.
British Consul General for Queensland and the Northern Territory Mr Richard Cowin welcomed the program, highlighting its educational value and international connection.
“This award gives students an opportunity to see how the Westminster system works in practice and to experience the democratic traditions that connect the UK and Australia,” Mr Cowin said.
“In a fast-changing world, understanding our shared values and approaches is more important than ever.
“This prize will enable a group of young Queenslanders to experience these principles firsthand and carry them forward into their future studies and careers.”
Further information about the Westminster Prize is available via the official application website.
