23 February 2005
Monash Law student Mr Ben Davies has won a $20,000 scholarship for his winning essay in a new national competition supported by the Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffrey.
Mr Davies received the Gold Medal and Governor-General's Scholarship for his written analysis of the Governor-General's reserve powers in a constitutional crisis.
At the awards ceremony in Canberra, Major General Jeffrey congratulated Monash University on the high calibre of its students, evidenced by the award to Mr Davies.
Mr Davies, a final-year student, said his long-standing personal interest in constitutional law prompted him to enter the competition. When he graduates, Mr Davies plans to join legal firm Freehills as an articled clerk, and to specialise in workplace relations law.
Students from 18 universities in all states and territories undertook a range of tasks in the inaugural Undergraduate Program Awards, including the winning 2500-word essay.
The program is run by the Constitutional Education Fund Australia, whose patron-in-chief is the Governor-General. It aims to promote a greater understanding of the democratic process and the Australian Constitution.
In his Australia Day address, the Governor-General emphasised his concern about the "worrying trend of disengagement from our democratic process among younger Australians".
For more information call Ms Robyn Anns, Media Communications, on +61 3 9905 9317 or 0417 568 781.
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