The fourteenth National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) was held at Old Parliament House in Canberra from 17-19 March 2009.

One hundred and twenty five students from government, independent and Catholic schools from across Australia, covering metropolitan and country areas attended. Approximately 45% of students were from government schools, 30% were from independent schools and 25% were from Catholic schools.

The National Schools Constitutional Convention seeks to promote understanding and informed discussion amongst young Australians about the Australian Constitution and system of government. Its three main aims are:

1. To provide an opportunity for senior students to explore constitutional issues. 
2. To encourage those students who are informed and actively interested in the Australian system of government to pursue this interest. 
3. To increase student awareness of key constitutional matters.

The purposes of this year's convention were:

• to introduce and inform delegates about the current Constitutional Preamble as well as consider its place and function in the Australian Constitution;
• to have delegates consider whether the current preamble is adequate for these purposes;
• to have delegates consider the role of the preamble;
• to have delegates consider the options for change in relation to a constitutional preamble; and 
• to have delegates consider whether the content of the preamble matters.

To view the Communique produced by the Convention click here