The Robert Menzies Institute is delighted to announce that registrations are now open for the 2026 Barton Parliamentary Competition, delivered in partnership with Per Vocem Vita.

Designed for students in Years 9 and 10, the competition encourages participants to engage with political ideas, develop their public speaking skills, and deepen their understanding of Australian history and contemporary public policy.

The Barton Parliamentary Competition places students in a mock parliamentary setting, where they debate legislation, deliver speeches, and respond to questions in a format inspired by real parliamentary proceedings. The competition rewards historical research, critical thinking, teamwork, and effective oratory.

Three Debates, Three Challenges
Throughout the day, teams will debate three separate bills.

The first debate will focus on a contemporary issue: Artificial Intelligence Safety and Regulation, examining one of the most significant policy challenges of the modern era.

The second debate will explore an important historical question from the Menzies era: the banning of the Australian Communist Party, inviting students to grapple with the tensions between national security, democratic freedoms, and political liberty.

The third and final debate will centre on a contemporary issue that will remain secret until 5 September 2026, requiring competitors to think on their feet and respond to arguments in real time.

Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
The competition aims to empower students to engage thoughtfully with both historical and contemporary issues while developing the skills necessary for civic participation and leadership.

Competitors will be assessed on:

• Oratory and public speaking skills
• The quality and substance of their contributions
• Historical accuracy and research
• Teamwork and strategic collaboration

Each participant’s individual performance will contribute to their team’s overall score, with teams ranked across all three debates.

Prizes
The winning team will be awarded the Barton Parliamentary Competition Trophy at the conclusion of the event.

The highest-scoring individual competitor will receive a set of four books published by the Robert Menzies Institute, along with a student membership to the Institute.

Registration Information
Teachers are invited to register teams of either two or four students. Competitors must be enrolled in Years 9 or 10. Teachers are not required to attend on the day of the competition.

Further details, schedules, and competition materials will be provided to participating schools following registration.

Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Barton Parliamentary Competition Handbook to assist with their preparation and research.

For registration enquiries, please contact schools@robertmenziesinstitute.org.au.

To register your students, visit HERE.