$12,000 in prizes for PM’s essay competition

Entries for the 2006 Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership Corporate Social Responsibility essay competition are open with students competing for $12,000 in prizes.

Families and Community Services Minister Mal Brough said the competition was open to school and tertiary students.

“The competition is an opportunity for students to articulate their thoughts on corporate social responsibility and have their views heard on this important issue,” said Mr Brough.

First prize for the school category is $2000 and a further $3000 for his or her school to go towards educational resources or a community project in which the school is involved.

The school competition is aimed at years 10-12. However, previous winners have included a Year 8 student (3rd prize in 2004) and a Year 7 student (2nd prize in 2005).

First prize for the tertiary section is $2000 in cash for the winner and a prize pack worth $3000 for his or her university or college.

The second prize winners in both the tertiary and secondary sections will receive $600 while the third prize winners will each receive $400.

“School students can write a formal essay, letter or speech from a choice of three questions with a 750-1000 word limit. Entrants in the tertiary section have the choice of two questions and a 2000 word limit,” Mr Brough said.

“Each finalist and a guest will be invited to a presentation event in Sydney in October, and the winning essays will be published in a commemorative booklet.

“The competition has been well received in previous years, and I believe it is important we continue to listen to the views of our students, who are the future business and community leaders of this country.”