Bowen State High School student, Dasani Appoo will be among 95 Year 11 and 12 students from across Australia attending the 29th National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC), in mid-March.
Held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra, Dasani will be the second Bowen State High School student to attend the Convention.
Dasani is excited to participate in the Convention and is looking forward to meeting likeminded students from across Australia.
“I became involved with the National Schools Constitutional Convention by Miss Raylene providing the opportunity,” Dasani explained.
“I decided it would be fun and I took part in it with Danzel and Frances.
“I am extremely excited, but also nervous as I've never flown before especially alone.”
The Convention will pose a topic to the students to investigate, critically discuss and debate.
The 2024 topic for the Convention is ‘Section 96 of the Constitution allows the Commonwealth to grant funds to areas that fall outside those prescribed in Section 51. Should Section 96 be amended to decentralise the power of the Commonwealth?’
“The topic is simple,” Dasani explained.
“And I agree with the topic about section 96 of the Australian Constitution being amended to fit the criteria of section 51 and for it to decentralise the power of our Commonwealth.”
Following the students’ debates and discussion, the overall outcome will be incorporated into a Communiqué, that will be sent to the President of the Senate, Senator Sue Lines, for tabling in Parliament and recorded in Hansard.
Outside the Convention, Dasani will also attend an official dinner at the National Press Club, the Prime Minister’s Reception at Parliament House, and have a meeting with the Governor-General, the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) at Government House.
Principal of Bowen State High School, Robert Harris explained that he is proud of Dasani to be attending the Convention.
“I am very proud of the opportunities provided to all students at Bowen State High School to enrich their knowledge and experiences to prepare them for whatever post schooling endeavours they wish to peruse,” he explained.
“Overall, I hope this experience brings forth many more amazing opportunities and makes me and my community known,” Dasani explained.
Dasani Appoo from Bowen State High School will attend the National Schools Constitutional Convention in March. Photo supplied
