Writing for Human Writes Essay Competition 2009

Castan Centre Congratulates 2009 Essay Competition Winners

The Castan Centre for Human Rights Law in conjunction with Monash University Law School, would like to congratulate Gabrielle Sing from Woodleigh School, winner of its 2009 Writing for Human Rights Essay Competition.

The competition was open to all Victorian Year 11 and 12 students, who were asked to write on the topic “'We're not morons': governments should butt out of young people's lives” Students were allowed to argue either for or against the statement or elect to examine specific instances of recent government intervention (such as internet censorship, p-plate restrictions, and curfews).  There was a fantastic response to the competition, highlighting how interested today’s youth are in both human rights and controversial public issues.

In Gabrielle’s insightful essay, she noted that while governments have traditionally limited the rights of young people, it was not because they are 'morons'. Rather governments have restricted young people's lives in order to protect them and the whole of society. In her essay, she discussed the balance that must be achieved in protecting young people and ensuring their freedoms and liberties. She was presented with her $1,200 prize by Castan Centre Deputy Director, Dr Julie Debeljak and Joh Kirby, Executive Director Victoria Law Foundation during the Monash Law School’s 2009 Great Law Week Debate. 

Place-getters and recipients of special commendation awards were also presented with their prizes.  Second prize and $800 went to Laura Tucceri from St Aloysius College. Laura suggested that while most government restrictions have been accepted as a necessary means of protection, they have never been as stringent and invasive as they are today. Furthermore, many laws that restrict young people's freedom, such as internet and video game censorship and p-plate laws have been drafted without consultation from the young people whose rights are being limited. Third prize and $400 went to Susannah Guthrie from St Catherine's School.  Susannah argued that while the government's influence over young people in Australia is restrictive in some areas, it is necessary for the maintenance of safety and stability in society. Certificates of commendation for their outstanding submissions were awarded to Philippa Symon, also from St Catherine's School, Ivona Lonac of Northcote High and Tim Gibson of Woodleigh School.

St Catherine's School also received the schools prize for the overall quality of its submissions and $2000. St Joseph's College Melbourne placed second in the schools prize and received a certificate of commendation.

The judging panel was impressed with the entrants’ ability to thoroughly explore both the specifics and generalities of the topic, illustrating their understanding of the need to balance the rights of individuals with those of society.  In particular essays highlighted the often dichotomous need to both protect young people and preserve their human rights and freedoms.

The Castan Centre, in conjunction with the Monash University Law School, would like to thank all of those students and schools who contributed to the great success of the third annual Writing for Human Rights Essay Competition. We hope that schools will continue to encourage their students to enter this important competition as it expands and we look forward to seeing this year’s entrants further involved in human rights in the years to come.

Victoria Law Foundation

Victoria Law Foundation is an independent, community benefit organisation making law accessible. Each year it awards cash grants and in-kind support for innovative projects.

This competition has been supported with a General Grant from the Victoria Law Foundation – www.victorialaw.org.au

Resources

2009 Essay Competition Teacher's Information Kit

Previous Essay Competition Winners

2007 Essay Competition
2006 Essay Competition