Teachers explore Parliament House

In mid-July, Parliament of Victoria once again opened its doors to educators from across the state for Teacher Open House. Over 50 teachers and their families attended our July event, learning about the functions, purpose and processes of the Victorian Parliament. Guests also had the opportunity to peruse our vast range of educational resources and speaking with staff about how they can be used to support civics and citizenship in the classroom.

As a recap, two of our tour staff have shared what they enjoy most about participating in the Teacher Open House events.

What do you enjoy the most about being involved with Teacher Open House?

Joe: Discovering the awesome ways in which teachers are inspiring the citizens of tomorrow to engage with democracy, the parliamentary process and having a voice in Victoria. Hearing amazing and inspiring stories on the impact our experiences and education resources have on the students of Victorian schools and working with the Community Engagement Unit; learning all about the supreme resources they have for schools, students and teachers.

Chris: To share my knowledge about the Legislative Council Chamber, particularly with teachers that have very little knowledge of the parliament or who are visiting the parliament for the first time.

What is the best question you have been asked?

Joe: One question that often pops up is around Royal Assent; has Royal Assent ever not been given by the Governor? Well, has it not? You will have to come on one of our tours or do a little research to find out. The answer will surprise you!

Chris: How does the dispute resolution committee work in relation to defeated bills and what happens if there is no resolution? 

The answer is, if a bill is defeated it can be referred to the Dispute Resolution Committee which consists of seven Assembly Members and five Council Members. The committee works to resolve disputes between the two houses, where a bill has passed the Legislative Assembly but failed to pass the Legislative Council. If the committee cannot reach a resolution, or does not meet, the bill will become deadlocked, and then the bill can be reintroduced to the parliament. The last time thecommittee met was in the 56th Parliament.

What else would you like people to know about parliament?

Chris: That it is a building used not just for Members of Parliament but also many different events, conferences and thousands of public and specialised  tours.

Photo: Legislative Council staff member Chris and Education Adviser Alison preparing to greet guests.

What is your favourite place at parliament?

Joe: My favourite place is the Parliamentary gardens; I imagine Members of Parliament from years gone by and current years playing bowls and strolling the gardens all whilst working hard to make Victoria one awesome place to be. And a close second has to be the library; it is a cornucopia of awesome, and every group of teachers that comes through always wants to know how they can become a member of the library.

Chris: The view through the large window in the Member's Annex overlooking the gardens.

What is your favourite fact to share with guests?

Joe: I think my favourite fact is to share some of the ways the Victorian Parliament has led the way over the years; being the first jurisdiction in the western world to require the wearing of seatbelts in the 1970s and the first jurisdiction in the world to require the wearing of helmets in the 1990s. These are real laws that impact Victorians, young and old each day and that have real meaning and relevance to teachers and students alike. It makes the room, the place, the laws come alive!

Chris: That Australia’s first eight Prime Ministers sat in our lower house (renamed the House of Representatives for the for the time that Federal Parliament sat at Victorian Parliament House from 1901 to 1927) and that our state members held their sittings in an annex at the Royal Exhibition Building.

Photo: Legislative Assembly guide James sharing some interesting information with one of the attendees

Teacher Open House has become an annual event, with the next one planned for April 2025. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like any support in planning for your civics and citizenship classroom, please don't hesitate to contact us at education@parliament.vic.gov.au.