Thirty of Ballarat’s emerging leaders came face-to-face with the nation’s leaders at Parliament House in Canberra today.
Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King organised the delegation’s visit to parliament as part of Leadership Ballarat and Western Region’s 10-month leadership program.
“The visit to Parliament House and the opportunity to meet with many of our nation’s leaders will leave the members with a greater understanding of the functions of the parliament and our democracy,” Ms King said.
“Organised in the spirit of bipartisanship, the event provides the delegation with an opportunity to see first-hand the different styles of political leadership we have in Australia.
“What people often see on television is just a small part of what takes place in parliament.
“This year’s delegates were able to meet with senior politicians of all persuasions and view the cut and thrust of Australian politics up-close in Senate Estimates and Question Time.”
Throughout the day, they met with Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss, Labor Leader, Bill Shorten, Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, Deputy Labor Leader, Tanya Plibersek, Assistant Minister for Social Services, Mitch Fifield, Nationals Whip in the Senate, Bridget McKenzie, Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness and Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Jan McLucas, Greens Senator, Richard Di Natale, and Independent MP, Cathy McGowan.
“This important part of Leadership Ballarat’s mentoring program teaches participants about the qualities of political leadership and the high-level skills they’ve developed here will benefit our own community.”