Why isn’t civics education working?: Electoral matters committee begins hearings

THE Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters will hold the first public hearing for its inquiry into civics education, engagement, and participation in Australia on Thursday May 23..

Committee Chair, Kate Thwaites MP, said, "It’s concerning that many young Australians don’t have the grounding in civics to set them up to be confident participants in our democracy.

"Data from the National Assessment Program – Civics and Citizenship shows that in 2019 just 38 percent of year 10 students and 53 percent of year six students achieved the ‘proficient’ standard.

"As we begin our inquiry, the committee will be investigating how civics forms part of the Australian curriculum. We will also be examining the importance of media literacy, and listening to the voices of young people about how best to improve civics education.

"The committee will engage with young people, along with people in remote communities, new migrants and culturally and linguistically diverse Australians, to ensure that everyone in Australia is able to participate fully in our democratic system."

The committee wants to hear from a wide range of people interested in the inquiry’s terms of reference. Submissions can be made through the inquiry website.

Public hearing details

Date:               Thursday 23 May 2024
Time:              10am – 4pm (Canberra time)
Location:      Committee Room 1R2, Parliament House, Canberra
Witnesses:  Australian Curriculum, Assessment, and Reporting Authority
                           Department of Education
                           Office for Youth
                           Australian Media Literacy Alliance
                           Australian Electoral Commission
                           Foundation for Young Australians
                           Australian Council for Student Voice
                           Adjunct Associate Professor Elizabeth Tudball
                           Dr Zareh Ghazarian
                           Associate Professor Tanya Notley
                           Dr Keith Heggart

The hearing will be live broadcast via the Parliament’s Watch, Read, Listen website.

 

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