Challenge 3: Point of View Forum

You are an expert on Federation because you are a person living in the 1890s - however, you have been transported to a TV station and a Point of View Forum is being held.

This Point of View Forum (similar to SBS's Insight) has a number of people involved - some experts on the topic and, people who have had personal experiences on the issue or topic.

Although you will not be in your group for this activity, you can still work together.

To take part in the Point of View Forum, your teacher will allocate the characters involved. Some characters will double up - depending on the number of people in the class.

Characters:

• Facilitator (& producer - if possible)
• Catherine Helen Spence
• Alfred Deakin
• Henry Parkes
• Maybanke Wolstenholme (Anderson)
• Edmund Barton
• Andrew Inglis Clark
• Louisa Lawson
• Rose Scott
• Elizabeth Webb Nicholls
• Mary Lee
• William Ah Ket
• John Christian Watson
• Sir John Forrest
• Joseph Kirby
• Robert Caldwell
• William (Billy) Hughes
• Cardinal Patrick Moran
• Henry Bournes Higgins
• Sir Samuel Griffith
• Mary Malone

Optional Extras

• Chinese Woman
• Queenslander
• Trade Unionist

Process:

1. Allocation of Characters

2. Research your character. You will need to make a badge showing your name and whether you are opposed or want Federation.

3. Conduct the Point of View

a. The Facilitator will introduce the broad topic of Federation, the issues, and consequences. The main question is:

Should the Australian States form a Federation?

b. When chosen, you are to introduce your character - your opposition or approval of Federation. You are to explain your background, your ideas and who you represent. 

You are to answer questions from the Facilitator about this position and should be able to quote from your sources with confidence.

c. The Facilitator will close the session and ask you to go to Task 4.