Groups urged to attend Subiaco Electoral Education Centre

22/9/93

Western Australian school children and community groups have been urged to visit the Electoral Education Centre in Subiaco to gain a greater understanding of Australia's electoral system at each of the three levels of government - local, State and Federal. 

The invitation was extended by State Government Ministers, Cheryl Edwardes and Paul Omodei, who today visited the education centre for the opening of two new displays covering Local Government and Women in Parliament. 

Mrs Edwardes, the Minister for Parliamentary and Electoral Affairs, said the centre - which opened early last year - had been developed to promote a greater understanding of, and participation in Australia's system of representative democracy.

"The facility is a great way to learn about the different tiers of government and uses visual and interactive displays and the staging of a mock election to provide visitors with information about the electoral system," Mrs Edwardes said. 

"It is extremely important that children gain an early understanding of all levels of government and their place in the democratic process." 

In the school year to date, 8,736 people have visited the education centre - which includes displays on topics such as enrolling to vote, Aborigines in Government, elections, the operations of Parliament, and now Local Government and Women in Parliament. 

Local Government Minister Paul Omodei said he was pleased that a local government section had now been included in the centre's displays. 

"Local government plays an extremely important role in the community and, of all the tiers of government, can be the one people most frequently come into contact with," Mr Omodei said. 

"Those elected to local councils also do a large amount of work for the community without the expectation of financial reward and it is important that their contribution is recognised." 

The Electoral Education Centre is located at 160 Hamersley Road, Subiaco, and can be contacted on 381 8963.  Admission is free, however, advance bookings are required. 

Media contact:  Casey Cahill 222 9595