UNE hosts Taiwanese academics
Entries impress in writing and photography competitionsUNE student a finalist in national essay competition
November 09, 2006
A student from The University of New England was one of six finalists this year in the Governor-General's Essay Prize – a national competition conducted by the Constitution Education Fund of Australia (CEF-A).
David Furse-Roberts, a second-year external student studying for a Bachelor of Laws degree, was recognised by the Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery, at a ceremony held at Admiralty House, Sydney, last week.
More than 600 students from tertiary institutions across Australia entered the competition, which was judged by Justice Susan Crennan of the High Court of Australia, Professor George Winterton, Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Sydney, and Sir Guy Green, who has held the positions of Governor of Tasmania, Chief Justice of Tasmania, and Chancellor of the University of Tasmania.
Mr Furse-Roberts, who comes from Wahroonga in Sydney, is the only one of this year’s finalists studying at a regional university. His essay dealt with the public policy issues involved in government regulation of religious symbols and dress within Australian schools.
Dr Jim Maher, a UNE political scientist who is a member of CEF-A’s Educational Reference Group, said: “David's achievement is a great recognition of his abilities, and brings honour to The University of New England.”
"To reach the finals in this highly-regarded and highly-competitive essay competition speaks volumes for his capacity and dedication," Dr Maher continued. "It also indicates that UNE students are up there with the best in the country."
Mr Furse-Roberts is the first UNE student to be a finalist in the Governor- General’s Essay Prize, which has been running for three years and which carries significant prize money. Dr Maher urged UNE students to continue to enter the competition.
THE PHOTOGRAPH displayed here shows David Furse-Roberts (centre) at Admiralty House in Sydney with the Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery (right) and UNE's Dr Jim Maher.