Nineteen students from Advance Diversity Services’ (ADS) English Classes for Integration and Employment visited New South Wales’ Parliament House on September 24.
The English class is organised by ADS in partnership with Asian Women at Work and Kogarah Storehouse.
Students were given a guided tour of Parliament House by staff members of Kogarah MP Chris Minn. They also met Mr Minn and visited his Parliamentary office.
Five students attended Question Time, which is a significant part of the Parliamentary day. Participants said the visit was a great opportunity to learn about Australia’s political system and how government works.
‘This was our first opportunity to get a close look at how government officials work here – and it looks totally different from China,” said class member. “This kind of immersion is really the best way for us to get involved in the Australia community.’
Community Services Officer for ADS’ Settlement and Community Services division, Ronnie Wang, said the day had helped the students to understand more about Australian society and helped to improve their English.
‘The insight they gained about our governmental processes will be invaluable as they continue to settle into life in Australia,’ she said.