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      26 Sep 2005: Dennis Pearce essay competition

      Dennis Pearce essay competition

      The Dennis Pearce essay is into its second year with Year 11 and Year 12 students in the ACT being asked to address the topic ‘Does the ACT need a Youth Ombudsman?’

      Does the ACT need a Youth Ombudsman?

      The Dennis Pearce Essay Competition is into its second year, with Year 11 and Year 12 students in the ACT being asked to address the topic “Does the ACT need a Youth Ombudsman”.

      Students can address the topic from any number of perspectives including:

      • examining the Ombudsman’s role in dealing with complaints from Canberra’s youth regarding ACT government agencies
      • how a Youth Ombudsman might assist in addressing issues of concern to the young people of Canberra
      • ensuring decisions made by ACT government services, affecting the youth of Canberra, are accountable and transparent.

      The competition aims to encourage young people to learn more about the role of the ACT Ombudsman as an accountability agency in today’s society.

      This year the Ombudsman’s Office is pleased to have the endorsement of the ACT Chief Minister, Mr Jon Stanhope.

      ACT Ombudsman Prof. John McMillan says that with the support of the Minister he is confident the competition will be a success. He goes on to say judging will be based on originality of ideas, clarity of expression and accuracy of content. “I look forward to reading the essays and finding out what the young people of Canberra think about the need for a Youth Ombudsman in the ACT.”

      The inaugural competition held in 2004, was named after Professor Dennis Pearce, who became the first ACT Ombudsman in 1989.

      There is prize money to be won for the top three essays as well as certificates and public recognition for the winning entrants.

      Entries close on 21 October 2005, with the winners to be announced in early December.

      For more information about the competition or copies of the essay poster contact Emma Martin at the Ombudsman’s office on 02 6276 0111 or via email at emma.martin@ombudsman.gov.au

      Media Contact:

      Elizabeth Courtney-Frost
      Chief Information Officer
      02 6276 0133
      ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au