The Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) plays a crucial role in fostering civic awareness and democratic engagement across Australia. As a trusted institution within the Parliament of Australia, the PEO delivers high-quality educational resources and programmers that empower students, teachers, and the general public to understand and participate in the democratic process.
What Is the Parliamentary Education Office?
The Parliamentary Education Office is the official education provider for the Australian Parliament, offering an array of services designed to support learning about parliamentary democracy. Based in Canberra, within Parliament House itself, the PEO is uniquely positioned to deliver accurate, impartial and engaging content.
Its mission is to ensure all Australians have access to a robust civic education, enabling them to understand their rights and responsibilities in a democratic society.
Core Functions and Responsibilities of the PEO
The PEO’s functions are rooted in the belief that a strong democracy requires an informed citizenry. Its core responsibilities include:
- Developing curriculum-aligned resources for primary and secondary students.
- Delivering onsite and virtual education programmes for schools.
- Supporting teacher professional learning through seminars and workshops.
- Creating digital tools to simulate parliamentary procedures.
- Maintaining impartiality and accuracy in all educational materials.
Every service the PEO offers is carefully crafted to reflect the workings of the Australian Parliament in a non-partisan, accessible manner.
Educational Resources Tailored for the Australian Curriculum
A hallmark of the Parliamentary Education Office is its extensive suite of teaching and learning materials, designed in alignment with the Australian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship. These resources are:
- Free and downloadable from the official PEO website.
- Developed with interactive tools, such as role-playing and quizzes.
- Available for all year levels, from Foundation to Year 12.
Topics covered include making laws, representative democracy, parliamentary debate, and the separation of powers. The goal is to bring the sometimes abstract world of politics into the classroom in a way that’s relatable and engaging.
School Visits and Excursions to Parliament House
One of the most impactful initiatives by the PEO is the Parliamentary Education Programme (PEP). Each year, tens of thousands of students visit Parliament House in Canberra to participate in:
- Simulated parliamentary debates
- Guided tours of Parliament House
- Interactive sessions with PEO educators
These immersive experiences give students a first-hand look at the inner workings of the legislature, bringing textbooks to life.
For those unable to travel, the PEO also offers virtual excursions, allowing students to connect with educators via live video link, ensuring accessibility for remote and regional schools.
Professional Learning for Educators
The Parliamentary Education Office supports teachers through targeted professional development opportunities. These workshops provide educators with:
- Strategies to teach civics and citizenship effectively
- Updates on curriculum developments
- Hands-on activities to replicate in the classroom
The sessions are led by experienced PEO staff, and many are accredited for teacher professional learning requirements. This commitment to educator support ensures the next generation of Australians gains a meaningful understanding of civic life.
Role-Playing and Interactive Simulations
The PEO has pioneered the use of role-playing simulations that mimic real-life parliamentary processes. These tools include:
- Parliamentary role-plays, where students act as Members of Parliament, Speakers, Ministers and more.
- Law-making simulations, where classes create and debate their own bills.
- Online games and quizzes, reinforcing learning through play.
Such interactivity is key in helping students internalise democratic values, understand conflict resolution, and explore public policy from multiple perspectives.
Digital Learning and Accessibility
In response to evolving educational needs, the PEO has invested heavily in digital transformation. Its online offerings include:
- Animated videos explaining complex parliamentary concepts.
- Downloadable posters and infographics for classroom use.
- Accessible formats for students with diverse learning needs.
The PEO also maintains an up-to-date glossary of political terms, which is particularly useful for ESL (English as a Second Language) students or anyone unfamiliar with legislative jargon.
Non-Partisan and Evidence-Based Approach
The Parliamentary Education Office operates under strict non-partisan guidelines. It does not advocate for any political party or viewpoint. Instead, it focuses on:
- Promoting critical thinking
- Encouraging civic engagement
- Providing factual information about the Parliament’s structure and function
This impartiality has helped establish the PEO as a trusted source of civic education in Australia.
Engaging the Wider Community
Beyond schools, the PEO is also committed to educating the broader public. It provides:
- Public seminars and lectures
- Online resources for adult learners
- Support for community groups and NGOs
This outreach reflects the belief that democracy is a lifelong learning process, and everyone should have the tools to participate confidently in civic life.
Supporting Regional and Remote Australia
A key focus of the PEO’s mission is to ensure equity of access. Through virtual programmes, digital content, and dedicated outreach initiatives, the PEO:
- Bridges the urban-rural education divide
- Partners with Indigenous communities to deliver culturally responsive content
- Adapts materials for diverse audiences, including those in the Torres Strait and remote Western Australia
This dedication ensures that geography is not a barrier to civic understanding.
Partnerships and Collaborations
To amplify its impact, the PEO collaborates with:
- State and territory parliaments
- Educational institutions and universities
- National civics organisations
These partnerships help to harmonise civic education across Australia and maintain national standards of excellence in parliamentary literacy.
Why the PEO Matters for Australia’s Future
In a time when political polarisation and civic disengagement are growing concerns globally, institutions like the Parliamentary Education Office serve a vital role. By:
- Fostering respect for democratic institutions
- Providing tools for active participation
- Building political literacy from a young age
The PEO helps cultivate a more informed, engaged and resilient society. It ensures that Australian democracy continues to thrive, not just through votes, but through knowledgeable citizenry.
