There’s a Prawn in Parliament House

There’s a Prawn in Parliament House: The Kid’s Guide to Australia’s Amazing Democracy

Annabel Crabb

First Dog on the Moon

A & U Children’s, 2025

240pp., pbk., RRP $A24.99

9781760637750

Every now and then, within states and territories, there comes a push to lower the voting age to 16, and once again, now that the UK has done so, there is another push to do it nationally. But in this technological age with its many distractions – often much more interesting – how much do our young people know about the Australian Parliament and how it works?  

While there are many who might say, tongue-in-cheek, that there are many prawns (and pawns) in the House on the Hill in Canberra, and only a few who could identify the focus of this book’s title – a 350 million year-old tiny coral fossil embedded in the floor of the grand Marble Foyer – and most teens can name their local member, how many know the difference between members and ministers, elections and electorates, cabinet and the Constitution and the roles they have in our everyday lives?

Written by Annabel Crabb, an ABC writer and presenter who has covered Australian politics for nearly 30 years as a news reporter, columnist and broadcaster. Known for her engaging approach to explaining Australian politics and history, she explains, explores and examines Australia’s unique democracy from the smallest shrimp to the largest coathanger with help from Guardian Australia cartoonist First Dog on the Moon in a way that engages those who need and want to know.  She covers up-to-date information about the 48th Parliament; the ins and outs of Australia’s Parliament House; the road to Federation; the nitty-gritty of the Australian Constitution; voting and how it works: ministers and departments: the role of the Press; and how a Bill becomes Law giving those from about Yr 5 + a basic grounding in what actually happens regardless of which side of the political fence you might favour. 

With many students visiting Canberra as part of their education, and financial assistance available to support this, this is a must-have in both the teacher’s toolkit and the school library so students are well-prepared before they come so they can get the most from their time.