The Robert Menzies Institute is delighted to announce the winners of the inaugural Barton Parliamentary Competition held on 5 September 2026. The Institute hosted the competition in collaboration with the youth organisation, Per Vocem Vita!

The winning school for 2026 was John Monash Science school, represented by Minh An Pham, Javier Duarte and Patrick Rule.

The Barton Parliamentarian award was won by Patrick Rule from John Monash Science School.

Congratulations to all students! Thank you for your skill, enthusiasm, oratory and engagement with legislative norms and procedures.

Students debated on three topics in mock-parliamentary proceedings. These included bills relating to the use of AI, gambling reform and a historical bill dating back to 1950 on the banning of the Australian Communist Party, which required them to inhabit the political beliefs of the time in the debate.

We thank Caulfield Grammar School, Avila College, John Monash Science School and Mentone Grammar School for your participation.

We look forward to continuing the program next year. If you would like to register your school’s interest in the 2027 competition, please send an email to schools@robertmenziesinstitute.org.au.