With dignitaries, parents, school peers and community members watching, Speaker of the House, Kaitlin-Amber McCarthy, and Deputy Speaker of the House, Daniel Wisemantel entered the parliament.

They were followed by the Hansard recorders, ministers, opposition ministers, the governor general and parliamentary advisors.

Governor General Sue Estens officially opened the school parliament for the year.

This year marked the 19th official opening of the school parliament. During the proceedings motions were carried and disbanded by the students, showing the maturity they held in their positions.

“This is the voice of the children,” parliamentary advisor Annette Benton said in her address.

The need for grates under the buildings to stop soccer balls disappearing and shade sails over the play equipment were some of the items that were carried through to the senate. It is then the senators’ job to approve the motions and pass them onto the governor general to be finally accepted into school policy.

The senate is made up of staff members.

Motions passed in parliament have resulted in changes in school resources, buildings, playground and school procedures.

“Every level of parliament, local, state and federal, could learn from what is happening here today,” ex-governor general of the school parliament Daryl Martin said.

Being the highlight of the parliamentary year, the opening recognised the ministers who were to take on the roles in 2008.

Portfolios included transport, education, sport, pupil welfare, special events, environment and building and health.

Ministers touched on what they and previous ministers had achieved inside their portfolios in their opening addresses to parliament.

Organised along the lines of the Westminster system the parliament sits each fortnight to provide an opportunity for students to participate in the running of their school.

The election for ministers is carried out and the end of each year.

The prime minister is voted in by students and teachers, before the ministers are elected to their portfolios based on the votes.

The 20th anniversary of the school parliament will be held next year with a number of special preparations being made.