There are not too many Year 12 students who can proudly say that they have contributed to Constitutional Reform – but Year 12 student Archie Kingham most certainly can.
Marist College Eastwood Year 12 student Archie Kingham was one of 94 students selected from around Australia to engage in discussions on whether Section 96 of The Constitution, allowing the Commonwealth to grant funds beyond Section 51’s stipulations, should be decentralised.
Archie was certainly excited to be involved in this important event along with many other significant contributors. Under the guidance of Emeritus Professor Clement Macintyre and Professor John Williams, and initiated with a welcome from Ngunnawal Emerging Elder Selina Walker, the delegates embarked on a comprehensive examination of Sections 51 and 96. The Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, opened the convention, emphasising the importance of civic engagement and the constitutional basis of Commonwealth-State financial relations. Keynote speakers, including Professor Kim Rubenstein, Professor Emerita Anne Twomey, Dr Andrew Banfield and Professor Alan Fenna, delved into the nuances of State versus Federal law, fiscal imbalances, and the potential need for constitutional reform to address modern societal shifts and inefficiencies in the current system of Commonwealth funding to States.
The selection process was quite a rigorous one. Archie explains, “It all started with my Legal Studies teacher, Mr Holden, who asked us if we were interested in this opportunity which started with an essay response to a question asked by the committee.” From there, some 100 NSW based students met in the NSW State Parliament to discuss the Constitution and Constitutional Reform and from this group, a handful were selected to be involved in the 29th National Schools Constitution Convention (NSCC) convened at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra.
Archie tells us of his experience: “The lectures were really very interesting and we learnt a lot about constitutional reform, specifically the legalities involved, how these decisions impact the economy and we also looked at reform from a government perspective.”
Dinner at the Press Club hosted by Governor David and Linda Hurley was one of the highlights for Archie. “Mrs. Hurley actually wrote a song specifically for the convention and had us all sing “You are My Sunshine” with her – apparently this is a song she sings for all visiting dignitaries!”
Principal, Ms Silvana Rossetti comments “Archie is an excellent student. He is involved in all aspects of College life and makes the most of every opportunity presented to him. He has a genuine interest in the welfare of others and goes out of his way to help.” Archie will quickly tell you he loves to see everyone do well and is very passionate about youth mental health. So much so that he is working with his peers and the school leadership team to develop a mental health program whereby Year 11 students deliver a series of talks and workshops to Year 9 students. Archie explains “I think if boys from as young as 14 or 15 years of age are aware of mental health, what feelings are normal at this age, I think they will be better off. Hearing about issues from someone who is older but still at school, wearing the same school tie and someone they can easily approach on the playground if they wish will contribute a lot to making them feel better about themselves and knowing that they have options for help if needed”.
Archie will be sitting his HSC exams later this year and would like to pursue a career in Law and/or Politics.
To explore a detailed analysis of the 2024 NSCC event, please follow this link: