2006 Dennis Pearce competition

The Dennis Pearce Competition is back, bigger and better than ever. In its third year, the competition is aimed at a wider audience with a new style and new categories.

Students can produce a TV advertisement that promotes the ACT Ombudsman’s role in today’s society; create a poster aimed at the youth of Canberra that promotes the Ombudsman’s services; or write an essay addressing the question “Does the ACT need a Youth Ombudsman?”.

The competition aims to educate young people in the ACT in an entertaining and thought-provoking way, about the right of all Australians to complain about unfair treatment by government agencies.

ACT Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan, said that with the new categories he is hoping the competition will appeal to a wider range of students. “I want ACT Year 11 and Year 12 students to express their ideas and thoughts relating to the relevant topics, and I look forward to viewing the submissions and seeing what imaginative young Canberrans we have out there”, Prof. McMillan said.

This year the competition has been generously supported by Dibbs Abbott Stillman Lawyers and Deacons, Lawyers as well as Youth Coalition of the ACT’s 2006 Youth Week.

Prizes are being awarded to the winning student in each category, and to the winning students’ schools. There is also a prize for the school with the highest percentage of combined entries.

Entries close on 26 May 2006, with the winners to be announced on 30 June 2006.

Interested students and schools should visit the ACT Ombudsman’s website at www.ombudsman.act.gov.au to view a full list of information, terms and conditions or contact Emma Martin at the Ombudsman’s office on 1300 362 072 or via email at emma.martin@ombudsman.gov.au.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Courtney-Frost
1300 362 072
ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au