On a recent school excursion to Canberra to learn about government, year six pupils from St Declan’s Primary School at Penshurst did not get to meet the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bronwyn Bishop, although they were very curious about her job.
Instead, the Speaker came to them.
The Mackellar MP, accompanied by Banks MP David Coleman, visited the school on Thursday (August 21) to celebrate Maths, Science and Health Week.
The pupils, who had done some research on Mrs Bishop, were eager to question her about her job.
A popular question was ‘‘How many times do you call ‘order’ in a day’’?
Mrs Bishop said she preferred to use nicer words such as ‘‘Will people to my left please stop talking?’’
“The children had some great, and insightful questions to ask. It’s great to see them so interested in our democracy,” Mr Coleman said.
Afterwards, Mrs Bishop attended a forum at Mortdale RSL Community Club where more than 100 seniors had their own questions.
Among the most popular was about the future of pensions.
Mr Coleman was pleased with the day.
‘‘It was great to have so many people turn out to the forum this morning to hear from Mrs Bishop,” Mr Coleman said.
‘‘It’s very important that people have the opportunity to let me know what they think about government policies, to raise any issues and to ask questions.
‘‘I hosted the Banks community forum to do exactly that.’’
Mr Coleman said it was important that government senior members came to Banks to hear what concerned the electorate.
‘‘That’s why it was good to have Mrs Bishop here today,’’ he said.
What would you ask Bronwyn Bishop if you had the chance?