The PEO role-play gives primary and secondary students hands-on experience of how our Parliament works to make Australia a better place to live.
The program explores the function, purpose and value of Australia's democratic system of government. It does this by investigating:
- how laws are made through Parliament
- the responsibilities of representatives
- the formation of government
- how government is kept accountable
Book your school's free hands-on program now!
School Booking Request
Serjeant-at-Arms picking up the Mace.
Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

Reading a speech in the Education Centre at Australian Parliament House.
DPS Auspic
Program details
Year levels | 5 – 12 |
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Groups size | Min 15, max 50 students (Note: multiple bookings can be made and smaller groups may be accommodated upon request) |
Supervision | The duty of care for the safety and wellbeing of students is the responsibility of teachers at all times. All parliamentary educators have a valid Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) check. |
Duration | 45 minutes |
Availability | Monday – Friday On the hour, 9am to 4pm |
The PEO program is very popular with schools. To avoid disappointment, book your program with as much lead time as possible.
Enhance your program with a free tour of Parliament House.
Program choices
Program choices can be made closer to the date of your visit
Debating a bill with amendments | Question Time | Committee of Inquiry | |
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Summary | Students become a member of parliament and debate a bill in either the House of Representatives or Senate, and then debate changing (amending) the bill. | Students take their seats in either the House of Representatives or Senate ready for Question Time. Members of the opposition and minor parties scrutinise the work of the government by asking questions, which the government has to respond to. | Students will conduct either a House of Representatives or Senate committee investigation of a bill. After gathering evidence from witness groups, the committee will make recommendations on the bill. |
Aim | Introduce the concept and develop an understanding of how laws are made in Parliament. A hands-on exploration of the role of Parliament and the work of members of Parliament. Provide a memorable and unique experience for students. |
A hands-on exploration of the role of the executive government, and the parliamentary roles of scrutiny and accountability. An appreciation of the responsibilities of members of parliament. A hands-on exploration of the role of Parliament and the work of members of parliament. Provide a memorable and unique experience for students. |
Understand in detail the role of Parliament to scrutinise the government. Provide a deeper understanding of how laws are made in Parliament, with a focus on how Australians can get involved. A hands-on exploration of the role of Parliament and the work of members of parliament. Provide a memorable and unique experience for students. |
Years | 5 – 12 | 6 – 12 | 9 – 12 |
Pre-visit requirements? | no | yes | yes |
Australian civics and citizenship curriculum links | Year 5 ACHASSK115 Year 6 ACHASSK143 ACHASSK145 ACHASSK146 Year 7 ACHCK048 Year 8 ACHCK062 ACHCK063 Year 9 ACHCK075 |
Year 6
Year 9 |
Source: Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), downloaded from the Australian Curriculum website on 13/09/21 (curriculum version 8.4)
Prepare your students for their program with these ideas and a sensory story.
Need some help preparing for your visit?
Bookings for the PEO program are made through the Parliament of Australia School Visits page
Details of our COVIDsafe measures can be found in the following planning documents:
- Current Venue and Safety Information [PDF 158KB, 5 PAGES]
- Current Public Liability Certificate [PDF 186KB, 1 PAGE]
We are here to help!
Please let us know your requirements. Send us an email through the Contact page or phone 02 6277 3508