75% of Australian students lack the basic knowledge to be informed citizens.

The newly released Civics and Citizenship Report reveals most Australian students don’t understand the Australian parliament and how it works.

Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham tells Michael McLaren although there are “pockets of improvement”, the overall picture is concerning.

“Less than 40% of Year 9 students understand how our democracy functions and works. Not enough time is being spent explaining the basics of those democratic features in Australia.”

The Minister concedes changes are needed but also says parents need to bear some responsibility.

“This can’t all be lumped on teachers and the school system. Parents also need to do their fair share of the heavy lifting.”

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