While Australia remains one of the world’s most stable democracies, alarming data suggests young Australians are becoming increasingly disengaged from the democratic process.
The most recent National Assessment Program – Civics and Citizenship (NAP–CC) reveals that just 28% of Year 10 students and 43% of Year 6 students achieved the proficient standard. Worryingly, these figures represent a significant drop from 2019, where 38% of Year 10 and 53% of Year 6 students were deemed proficient, marking the lowest performance since the assessment's inception in 2004.
For educators, this trend raises serious questions: are we doing enough to prepare students to be active, informed citizens?
As trust in democratic institutions continues to slide, experts say the answer lies in early, immersive and engaging civics education.
This month, the Parliament of NSW is inviting families with children aged five to 12 to this year’s Festival of Democracy as part of the Macquarie Street Adventure these school holidays.
The day-long “adventure program”, to be held along Macquarie Street pm Tuesday 15 April, will see young people have a go at voting, wandering through the legislative chambers and participating in engaging democracy-themed activities.
‘A critical step in encouraging democratic participation’
President of the NSW Legislative Council, The Hon. Ben Franklin MLC said The Festival of Democracy helps bridge the gap in civics knowledge by making NSW Parliament an accessible and engaging space for young people to learn about the role that parliament plays in our democracy.
“As an open day, it reinforces that the NSW Parliament is not just an institution but a place for all citizens, where everyone is welcome,” Franklin told The Educator.
“Through hands-on activities, interactive tours and committee role-plays, the festival transforms complex democratic processes into engaging, real-world experiences.”
Franklin noted that historical reenactments and participatory storytelling can spark curiosity in younger children, while older students can gain a deeper understanding of how democracy functions.
“By creating memorable, positive experiences, the festival fosters early connections with civic institutions, helping to build confidence, interest and a sense of belonging – critical steps in encouraging lifelong democratic participation.”
Effective civic learning goes beyond textbooks
When asked what more Australian schools and parliaments can do together to ensure civics education is not only accessible, but meaningfully impactful from primary school onwards, Franklin said it begins with recognising that effective civic learning goes beyond textbooks.
“Our Australian democracy is shaped by deep-rooted Indigenous heritage, colonial foundations, and the diverse contributions of its multicultural communities, evolving into a vibrant and inclusive society,” Franklin said.
“Immersive, engaging and relevant experiences provide meaningful civics education. At NSW Parliament, through its school programs, the Education team unpacks the work of the Legislature by looking at the role of its members and committees and provides an understanding of important concepts like the separation of powers and rule of law.”
Franklin went on to point out that every non-sitting day, the Parliament provides talks to primary and secondary students in both chambers, delivered by staff who support the sittings of each House.
“To improve accessibility, we’ve introduced a regional travel subsidy, and our Visit Us at Our House Stage 3 online program remains a top choice on DART Learning, a platform that provides access to virtual excursions,” he said.
“The Parliament also offers in-person chamber tours, including role plays for primary school students.”
Franklin said the NSW History syllabus changes being introduced in 2027 will ensure every Year 10 student learns about Federation and the Constitution.
“As President, I have also introduced regional roadshows aimed at high school students in the state’s regions, which include youth forums discussing ways of increasing civic engagement by young people,” he said.
“To go further, expanding parliamentary outreach can strengthen civics education for regional students and communities, and the new regional travel subsidy ensures the Parliament is accessible to all.”
Interactive activities to simplify complex processes
Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, The Hon. Greg Piper MP, said The Festival of Democracy makes NSW Parliament an accessible space for young people.
“Interactive activities, tours and role-plays simplify complex processes,” Piper told The Educator.
“Historical reenactments and storytelling engage younger children, while older students gain insights into how democracy functions, and how women, in particular, have struggled for justice, equality and their place in modern democracies.”
Piper said that by offering memorable educative experiences, the festival helps foster early connections to civic institutions, building a sense of confidence and belonging – key to lifelong civic participation.
“The Magna Carta can be difficult to understand due to its old English words and terms. However, framing it as a story of a powerful king who is forced to share power with others helps children grasp concepts like shared decision-making and fairness,” he said.
“These stories are a wonderful vehicle to help young people learn democratic values in a way that is both fun and meaningful.”
Fostering a sense of trust and ownership in the system
Earlier this year, a study by Charles Sturt University found that trust in Australian political institutions is declining, with just 30% of Australians reporting trust in government officials. Concerns include lack of transparency, public sector inefficiency, political corruption, and disconnection between politicians and citizens.
Piper said interactive civics experiences, like those offered at the NSW Parliament, play a key role in rebuilding trust in the democratic process by engaging young people directly.
“Through age-appropriate programs in subjects like History, Commerce, Legal Studies and Aboriginal Studies, students gain a hands-on understanding of democracy in action,” he said.
“We collaborate with the NSW Electoral Commission to help students learn about the voting system. Through our Education programs, students can meet with their Member of Parliament.”
Piper said this initiative creates a direct connection to their elected representative, allowing students to ask questions and understand their role as a citizen and the role of their elected representative.
“Many of our education programs include Members of Parliament meeting schools from their electorates to directly answer questions from students and explain their role in our representative democracy,” he said.
“By providing opportunities for young learners to actively engage with the democratic process and understand their civic responsibility, we help foster a sense of trust and ownership in the system, empowering them to believe in their role within it.”
Families are encouraged to pack a lunch, to enjoy in the Speaker’s Garden. The Long Bell Café will be open for the purchase of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and light meals.