VSPP Local Parliamentary Conventions

Secondary schools can apply to host a Victorian Students’ Parliamentary Program (VSPP) Local Parliamentary Convention in 2026 with the support of National Curriculum Services, as part of the Victorian Students’ Parliamentary Program (VSPP).

The VSPP provides opportunities throughout the year for students and their schools to engage in immersive Civics and Citizenship activities aimed at improving students’ understanding of parliamentary processes.

National Curriculum Services (NCS) is contracted by the Victorian Department of Education to deliver the VSPP. The Local Parliamentary Conventions are one component of the program.

Local Parliamentary Conventions
In 2026, the Victorian Department of Education will provide the opportunity for up to SIX primary and secondary schools to host a Local Parliamentary Convention as part of VSPP.  Each convention involves exploration of a political question and culminates in a day of guest speakers, debate and a final vote on the chosen topic, simulating a parliamentary vote.  Schools are strongly encouraged to invite other local schools to participate on the day to strengthen the diversity of perspectives on the day and share the benefits of the event more broadly.

The program provides the opportunity for schools to:

  • Further explore the civics and citizenship curriculum;
  • Encourage student voice and provide students with the opportunity to express their views;
  • Allow students to share their ideas and thoughts with students from other schools;
  • Learn about topical issues from experts;
  • Build partnerships with other schools.

Funding available
Each host school is provided with a grant of $1,000 (GST Inc.) to assist them in organising the convention.

Expectations of Host School
NCS will work with schools to assist in the planning and delivery of convention on the day. Selected host schools will need to undertake the following:

  • Select an appropriate topic that complements the Victorian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum. NCS can pass you some previous topics that have been addressed before for brainstorming.
  • Organise the program, venue (usually at your school), speakers and relevant stimulus material for the convention. NCS will assist you with this process.
  • Invite other local schools to attend with maximum numbers of students around 120-150 (subject to supervision requirements, venue capacity etc.).
  • Conduct the convention during Terms 1 to 3. Term 4 is also acceptable if requested.  

Please note, the ability for schools to meet face-to-face is subject to current medical advice at the time. Public schools should also follow the advice provided by the Department of Education in the School Operations Guide.

Schools who are open to delivering the Convention online or hybrid (online + in-person) to enable rural and regional students to join their convention virtually, or in response to unforeseen COVID-19 restrictions (if necessary) will be viewed favourably and should indicate this on their application.

Information for 2026 Local Parliamentary Conventions will be listed on this page ongoingly once confirmed.


Local Parliamentary Conventions for 2026

Host: St Joseph’s College Geelong
Date: Friday 5 June 2026
Topic: "Freedom of speech versus hate speech. Where should the legal and social lines be drawn?"
Contact: Jackson Langhorne
Email: JacksonL@sjc.vic.edu.au 

Host: Lalor Secondary College
Date: Friday 15 August 2025
Topic: "Australia’s current immigration numbers. Benefit or burden?"
Contact: Renee Cerra
Email: renee.cerra@education.vic.gov.au 

Host: The Mac.Robertson Girls' High School - POSTPONED to 2026
Date: Postponed to 2026
Topic: "Australian governments' legislated nuclear bans should be lifted."
Contact: Robert Corr
Email: robert.corr@macrob.vic.edu.au

More information will be updated ongoingly.  Please check back periodically for more details.

Should you have any enquiries, please call National Curriculum Services on (03) 9415 1299 or email registrations@ncsonline.com.au.

National Curriculum Services (NCS) has been contracted by the Victorian Department of Education (DE) to deliver the Victorian Students’ Parliamentary Program (VSPP).