London and Canberra await as Queensland launches inaugural Westminster Prize

High-achieving Queensland students and teachers will soon have the chance to explore the foundations of parliamentary democracy through a new international education initiative.

The Queensland Government has announced the launch of the Westminster Prize, offering eight Year 9 students and two teachers the opportunity to travel to London, alongside visits to parliamentary institutions in Canberra and Brisbane.

Applications for the inaugural program open on Monday, 18 May, and are available to Year 9 students across state, non-state and home-school settings with a strong interest in civics and citizenship.

The program is designed to deepen participants' understanding of democratic systems, with a particular focus on the Westminster model that underpins Australia's political framework.

As part of the experience, successful applicants will travel to London next year to gain firsthand insight into the origins of parliamentary democracy. The prize also includes visits to federal and state parliaments in Canberra and Brisbane, providing a comprehensive look at Australia's system of government.

The initiative builds on existing Queensland Government programs that promote excellence in education, including the Premier's ANZAC Prize, the Premier's Reading Challenge and the Peter Doherty Awards.

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the program would play a key role in strengthening students' knowledge of civic responsibility and democratic participation.

"This initiative offers students a unique opportunity to engage directly with the institutions and traditions that shape our democracy," he said.

"Participants will not only broaden their understanding of political systems in Queensland, Australia and the United Kingdom, but also apply their knowledge through a local civics project addressing a community issue."

British Consul-General for Queensland and the Northern Territory, Richard Cowin, welcomed the initiative, highlighting its importance in fostering a deeper appreciation of shared democratic values.

"This program provides students with a valuable opportunity to experience the Westminster system in action and to better understand the democratic traditions that link the UK and Australia," he said.

Applications close on 31 July, with interviews and final selections to take place in August and September.