Joanna Gash (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to say a few things about my experience in parliament and around the federal office in Gilmore. These words are from Quinn Patterson, a 15-year-old student who did work experience in my office just before the sitting break:

My careers adviser said to me the other day, Quinn, the time has come to work! I found myself asking the same question I had been asking for many years now, what will I do?

Work experience is certainly nothing to take lightly, so I thought it over. After thinking for a while I decided that I would apply where I knew the least: Politics.

I've never really know exactly what went on in parliament, but my chance to find out was here! Immediately seizing the opportunity I handed in my forms at my local members office and hoped I would be accepted.

To my surprise I was accepted with a smile and offered a better opportunity: To go to parliament itself!

I had to take an extra week off school, but it was well worth it! Having been interested in debating and public speaking since I could talk, the experience was amazing!

I was able to see both behind and in front of the scenes as I glided from office to office. I was able to meet and greet some of the people who run this country, and some who work in their shadows.

The idea of being able to work and watch in this place while other people went about their business was amazing!

Everyday at 1:45 pm, I was given permission to make my way up to the senate or House of Representatives to see question time. The events sometimes became a little bit out of control, but most of the time they were composed.

I learned of many things while I was there, including the current bills, who everyone was, and the location of the coffee shop. Priorities may vary between people.

Of course, my learning didn't stop in parliament! After three days I came back to the local office and was able to meet many nice people who were happy to take me in. The office, I discovered, is where the nitty gritty stuff happens. All the brochures and posters and campaigns and schedules are made by the people behind the scenes. The work of a politician is not something that is done alone.

These people who I've had the pleasure to meet have helped me to learn exactly what I need to know in order to become involved in my community, and what it's like to be a politician. The work involved with parliament is beyond comprehension, it takes a lot of effort to organise an electorate and I appreciate it more now.

I'm amazed at how hospitable and helpful the staff at Miss Gash's office have been, and I thank them for their friendly support.

Congratulations to Quinn. He was certainly a valuable worker in my office and a pleasure to have. We wish him well in his future career. Bearing in mind that Quinn was only 15 when he came to Parliament House, he was a great support to me and my staff.