Peter Shergold forum - Panel biographies

Tim Gorton. Photo: Dragi Markovic.

Tim Gorton
Year 11
Xavier College
Victoria

Politicians never sleep; that's how I became interested in
them, and that's why it obsesses me. Without Caesar's wish to become a better politician, all of Europe's history would have been changed. Politicians make history, and this is why I have become so interested in them.

To know the reasons for why a country goes to war, or why people kill their best friend – that is why I study politics. Even if it does come out in screaming at someone, there is something powerful about being able to have your own beliefs and sticking up for them.

Annelise Nielsen. Photo: Dragi Markovic.

Annelise Neilsen
Year 11
Presbyterian Ladies' College
Western Australia

In year 10 I took a politics unit at my school as a compulsory part of the Social Studies course and for once found I was actually looking forward to assignments and projects! I found something I was really interested in and from that came a lot of opportunities including involvement with Amnesty International, United Nations Youth Association, Rotary and the Young Liberals of Western Australia.

I've learnt that every opportunity's worth taking; you need to stick your hand up and volunteer because usually the best opportunities involve putting yourself forward and having the confidence to try. So when the forms where handed out at school I thought I would give it a shot and ended up having an amazing time and an incredibly valuable life experience! This opportunity to interview such prominent people in Australian politics when you're only in high school is absolutely unique and I would urge anyone to go for it!

Else Kennedy. Photo: Dragi Markovic.

Else Kennedy
Year 12
Penrith High School
New South Wales

I started to be interested in politics a few years ago when my brother gave me Naomi Klein's book No Logo for my birthday. Since then, I became active in the Amnesty International group at my school, and got involved in United Nations Youth Association conferences and assemblies. More recently, I've become interested in Australian politics, and last year I represented my area at the NSW Youth Parliament.

The thing that interests me most about politics is its ability to impact on our everyday lives. From war to trade to taxes, politics shapes our world. I'm glad of any opportunity to learn more about political processes and issues, because I think that, for anyone, an understanding of politics is essential for having a voice in the future.

Issues that particularly interest me are those relating to human rights and social justice, and this year I've begun working with Amnesty International on human rights education initiatives in NSW schools. I find at times a frustrating lack of moral courage in leadership, both in Australia and internationally, however, as the proverb goes, 'It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.' That's why I'm interested in Talkback Classroom – I hope it will be an opportunity for me to learn more about the Australian political system and interview and research processes. I'm looking forward to asking questions, and hope I'll be able to find some answers.