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Student debates are available on non-sitting days only.
On a non-sitting day the Members of Parliament are not using the House of Assembly and Legislative Council chambers, allowing the students to sit in the seats in the chambers.
Students participate in a 45 minute Parliamentary style debate in the House of Assembly chamber. The debate is facilitated by their local Member of State Parliament. Students can use pre-prepared debate cards from class, or use scripted materials available at Parliament. Students taking the role of Speaker, Clerk and Serjeant-at-Arms are provided with wigs, robes and a replica Mace.
If your booking is for a debate only, it is recommended that students be in at least year 5 or above AND towards the end of their civics & citizenship unit. It is helpful if students already know:
- who sits where in the chambers
- the role of Parliament
- the role of Members of Parliament
- the three levels of government
- the separation of powers
If a debate booking is in conjunction with a Parliament Tour – Non-Sitting Day, it is recommended that students have a basic understanding of the three levels of government and the separation of powers.
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School bookings
ALL school visits must be booked in advance.
Programs may be booked individually or in the following combinations:
- Parliament Tour – Sitting Day + Question Time Viewing – Sitting Day
- Parliament Tour – Non-Sitting Day + Debate – Non-Sitting Day
Booking instructions for Tours & Debates:
Find the state electorate that your school falls within
- Call the electorate office
- Coordinate a time for the program (or program combination) of your choice
- Your program will be hosted by your school’s local Member of State Parliament, or their electorate office staff
Don’t know your school’s electorate? Go to the Electoral Commission of SA’s website and try the Interactive Boundaries Map.
It is recommended that you have a selection of dates and times to present to the electorate office to work around the Member’s availability.
Booking instructions for Question Time Viewing only (no tour):
Contact the House of Assembly
Organising your visit
Please consider whether a sitting day or a non-sitting day is best for your class – the sitting calendar is available on the Parliament of SA’s website.
Allow extra time before your tour starts to clear through a security screening
Secure storage is available for school bags
Public toilets are available
Water bottles are the only item permitted on school tours