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Topic: Water Wars
Guest: The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources
Date: 10am, Monday, 18 June, 2007
Venue: Studio, National Museum of Australia
Students: The year 11 students who questioned the Minister were Jane Cairns and Oscar Schlamowitz, both from Brisbane State High School, and Emma Buckley-Lennox, Indooroopilly State High School.
Student biographies:
It is one of the greatest shames within our society that so few take an active interest in the politics that shape our nation. From a very early age I have been attuned to the affairs of state that are so critical to the way we live our lives and the futures we can look forward to. The reasons for my desire to be a successful contributor to Talkback Classroom are varied, however foremost among them is my enthusiasm for holding the attention of a crowd. To raise public awareness on the issues relating to water is the aim of the program, and as a medium for achieving this it is fortunate that I have always found great satisfaction in having the audience hang off my every word, waiting eagerly to hear each detail of what will come next.
I have had some experience at instilling passion within a large group. On the school debating team, presenting the valedictory speech, promoting extra-curricular activities or standing before thousands at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, in all these cases I have lived and breathed to speak publicly. I strive to be a contributor to the national debate on the future of our water and this is an opportunity to do so.
That is why I participate in Talkback Classroom.
- Oscar Schlamowitz
My name is Jane Cairns and I'm a 15-year-old year 11 student at Brisbane State High School. I lead a busy life, and like to participate in everything I can. I coach 9 year olds at netball and I'm a national C umpire. I also play water polo, basketball, I swim and I've done debating. Supa IGA is my place of employment and I work there once a week during school. At school I study Economics, Modern History, Political Studies, English, Maths B and Accounting.
I've applied for Talkback Classroom because I'm interested in politics and the environment. Someday, I would love to have a career in federal politics and I felt this opportunity was not one to miss. I've also been following the water crisis for some time now and the politics intertwined in the issue is fascinating. I felt that Talkback Classroom would be the perfect way to find out more.
Once Talkback Classroom is complete I hope I will have made many new friends and met lots of new and interesting people. I think I will learn a lot about the issue itself and my ability to work with other people. I will also be able to meet deadlines that I'm not being assessed on.
I can't wait to get started on the project. Working with Oscar and Emma should be a lot of fun.
Look out Malcom Turnbull!
- Jane Cairns
I am 16-years-old and have lived in acreage in Brisbane for most of my life. I attended a small democratic school, Brisbane Independent School, in which some of my political values were formed. I am now in grade 11 at Indooroopilly State High, and studying Chemistry, Maths B, English, Drama and Dance. I am also involved in the school musical, as a lead role. I have done debating for the last three years, and that has really developed my awareness of the world. I always like to know what is happening around the world, whether it's politics, wars, or conflicts. I always have discussions with my parents, friends and teachers about current issues. It frustrates me that, because I am 16, I cannot yet vote, and some of the people that can appear to waste their votes.
Talkback Classroom will be a great experience, meeting up some of the people who actually decide what happens in Australia. I'm also excited by the fact we will be discussing water in my forum, an issue that is relevant to everyone, both in states and nationally. I hope to gain more knowledge and understanding of political situations and the way legislations work, also the processes that politicians go through in order to 'fix' problems. Interviewing Malcolm Turnbull will definitely be a learning experience; so will forming questions which may be difficult for him to answer. I am looking forward to what is in store for me!
- Emma Buckley–Lennox
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