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The second Henry Parkes Citizenship Convention for schools was held at NSW Parliament House on Monday 29 May, 2000.

Twenty schools from Henry's old Sydney electorates participated. They began by holding discussions at their schools about how best to achieve reconciliation and what they saw as the important steps needed to begin the healing process. Each school then selected representatives to present the reports of these discussions in the Legislative Council Chamber of NSW Parliament House.

Last year the convention was styled as a debate, with the pros and cons of Australia becoming a republic discussed and then voted on through a Parliamentary 'division'. This year, however, since reconciliation has bipartisan support in the NSW State Parliament, participants reported on their schools' proposals and then shared their own ideas in group discussions. This served as a valuable demonstration that parliament can act together as well as in debate.

Speakers included Mr Charles Davison, President of the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group; Liam Ridgeway, a student at St Mary's College; Ms Nancy de Vries, who spoke of her experiences as a member of the Stolen Generation, and Ms Pamela Young from the Sydney Museum.

We were also very grateful for the generous hospitality and the participation of Dr Meredith Burgmann, President of the NSW Legislative Council, and Ms Cherie Burton, MP for Kogarah, who chaired the students' lively participation.

The cooperation of the various school authorities, especially the NSW Department of Education, and of the staff at NSW Parliament House was much appreciated. Again, teachers and students were enthusiastic about the value of the event.

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