Year 12 student, Jelena Uzelac, had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Queensland State Budget Student Experience (SBSE) event, hosted by the Premier of Queensland on 23 and 24 June 2026, at Parliament House in Brisbane.
This enriching two-day program brought together 47 student leaders from across Queensland, offering them a unique chance to step into the world of government finance, policymaking, and the arts.
On the first day, Jelena had the opportunity to network with the Honourable David Crisafulli MP, Premier and Minister for Veterans, and the Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP, Minister for Education and the Arts, as well as other Ministers and Members of Parliament. She engaged in thoughtful discussions, asking complex questions about the State Budget and its impact on Queensland's future.
The students attended Question Time in Parliament and observed the delivery of the Queensland State Budget by the Treasurer. They also participated in a session exploring the importance of media (both traditional and social) in communicating key messages effectively. The day concluded with a photo session and a BBQ on the River Deck, where students were joined by the Premier and the Minister for Education.
On the second day, Jelena attended sessions and tours at the State Library of Queensland and the Gallery of Modern Art, gaining further insights into Queensland's cultural and educational landscape.
This experience provided Jelena with a hands-on understanding of economics, fiscal policymaking, and the role of media in shaping public perception. It also highlighted the importance of connecting classroom learning with real-world applications, empowering students to better understand their opportunities to shape Queensland's future.
Jelena reflects on the State Budget experience: “The SBSE was valuable in informing Queensland students about global pressures and competing priorities shaping the State Budget that impacts us all. Talking to the Honourable David Crisafulli MP and current state ministers gave me a first-hand glimpse into the long-term and short-term goals of the Parliament, and rationales for choosing such high responsibility careers in politics. When talking to MP Ariana Doolan and MP Rebecca Young, I recognised that political careers are driven by the desire to create change. Seeing questioning time and the Budget Speech delivered revealed how extensive budgeting is, involving months of consultation and contingency reserves. The journalism workshop reframed the budget we had witnessed being delivered that day, highlighting the time pressure and editorial bias that shapes news to the public. On the second day, the State Library of Queensland trip highlighted the history of the Olympics and Australia's developing cultural landscape. At the Gallery of Modern Art, we immersed ourselves into Archie Moore's 'Kith and Kin', spotlighting our kinship responsibilities to each other. After grasping the year-long budgeting process, I could critically observe how current savings and investments in transports and venues are part of a deliberate, long-term plan to deliver the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. I urge students and changemakers to apply for the SBSE in the future to build their knowledge of how annual financial decisions define our tomorrow".
We are proud of Jelena for representing our school with enthusiasm, curiosity, and leadership.
Vanessa Rebgetz
Principal