Engage with the Education Office
Education programs at Parliament House
Students love learning about democracy and the workings of Tasmania’s democratic institutions. The Parliament of Tasmania offers your students the opportunity to explore what this key democratic institution does and to learn how they can become active citizens.
Australia has 3 levels of government, and the state level is responsible for such services as schools, hospitals, public transport and emergency services – many of the services young people rely on. Learning about the Parliament of Tasmania gives your students an insight into how decisions and laws are made that affect these essential services.
Why visit the Parliament of Tasmania?
Civics and citizenship is an important part of the Australian curriculum and its goal is to create active and informed citizens who understand Australia’s system of government and are committed to the values of democracy, equality and justice. Visiting the Parliament of Tasmania and taking part in an education program offers students a rich and authentic opportunity to understand how the Tasmanian system works, and it fosters a sense of connection to the Parliament and to democracy in Tasmania.
What programs do we offer?
The Parliament of Tasmania Education Office offers a number of distinct programs, curriculum aligned for upper-primary, secondary and Legal Studies students. Other groups are also welcome at Parliament House, and a program can be tailored to the group’s needs.
Guided Tours
On non-sitting days,education groups can take part in a guided tour of the Parliament, learning about contemporary parliamentary practices in an active way, with reference to the history of one of Tasmania’s iconic buildings. This program takes approximately 90 minutes, although it can be shortened to accommodate the needs of the group.
Guided tour and House of Assembly role-play 
On non-sitting days, education groups can choose to combine a tour with a House of Assembly role-play, where students take on roles as Members of Parliament or Parliamentary Officers and role-play the passage of legislation, one of the key functions of Parliament. This is the most popular and immersive program we offer and takes approximately 2 hours. The session is curriculum-aligned for upper-primary, secondary or Legal Studies students. Due to time constraints, some groups opt to do a role-play only, which takes 60 – 75 minutes.
Observe Parliament at work
On sitting days, education groups are welcome to take a seat in the Public Galleries and observe their Members of Parliament at work. Each group is accompanied by an education officer to help interpret proceedings and answer student questions. As a guide approximately 1 hour is sufficient time for a primary class and up to 90 minutes for secondary or Legal Studies classes. Guided tours and role-plays are not available on sitting days.
Digital Incursions
The Parliament acknowledges that time, distance and timetabling constraints mean that not every student can visit the Parliament to take part in an onsite program. Our digital incursions allow students to connect with a specialist educator at the Parliament of Tasmania to learn how the Parliament works and how they can be involved in democracy in Tasmania. Digital incursions are curriculum-aligned for upper primary, secondary, Legal Studies students and home education.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sitting schedule of the Parliament?
The Parliament of Tasmania sits for approximately 14 – 16 weeks a year on selected Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The current sitting schedule is available on the Parliament’s website.
Are the Members of Parliament involved?
With the group’s permission, we advise the relevant Members of the House of Assembly and Legislative Council of a visit from a group based in their electorate. If the Members are available, they sometimes drop in to meet with a group. This is an excellent way to connect students to their elected representatives.
How much does it cost for an education program at Parliament House?
All Parliament of Tasmania Education Office programs are free. However, bookings are essential.
What times do education programs operate?
Our non-sitting day programs often start at 10am. However start times are flexible to accommodate the needs of the group. For those coming to observe Parliament, the House of Assembly sits from 10 am to 1pm and then from 2.30 pm and the Legislative Council sits from 11am to 1pm and then from 2.30pm.
How many students can attend at once?
To ensure maximum engagement and acknowledging the limited space within the Parliament, groups are limited to 30 students maximum and their accompanying adults. On non-sitting days, 2 groups can be in the building simultaneously, depending on Education Office staffing.
What options are there for schools outside Hobart?
The Parliament recognises that distance is a barrier for some schools that would like to access our programs. Digital incursions are available most days and are curriculum-aligned for upper primary, secondary, Legal Studies and home education students. The Parliament of Tasmania also runs a School Outreach program, visiting schools in the north and north-west of the state 3 times a year. The Tasmanian Regional Schools’ Travel Rebate is available for Tasmanian schools located 75 km or more from Parliament House to travel to Parliament to participate in an Education Office program. $200 is available for schools on a day trip and $400 for schools requiring an overnight stay to visit. Numbers are strictly capped at 20 schools per calendar year, with 10 places available in Terms 1 and 2 and 10 available in Terms 3 and 4.
How do I book a program?
Bookings are essential for education groups. Book here or by calling the Parliament of Tasmania Education Office on (03) 6212 2275.