The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, the Hon Chris Pearce MP, yesterday presented awards to the winners of the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) Sharemarket Games.
The ASX Sharemarket Games are open to students in years 7 – 12 and also members of the general public who would like to educate themselves about what it is like to invest in the sharemarket (without spending a cent of their own money).
“The ASX Sharemarket Games are an excellent example of practical and relevant education about the workings of financial markets”, Mr Pearce said.
“Now that 55 percent of Australian households own shares, it’s more important than ever to have a clear and transparent understanding of financial matters. Participation in this year’s games alone means that students in over half of Australia’s high schools and around 40,000 adults are gaining valuable knowledge and experience in investing for their future.
“The Games and the ASX education program are strongly aligned with two initiatives of the Australian Government – both of which I support strongly – financial literacy and the promotion of technology in education.
“Financial literacy is not just about controlling credit cards or mobile phone bills - important though these things are. It is also about people taking responsibility for thinking about and planning their future financial security.
“Gaining an understanding of financial literacy should also be a fun educational experience and the on-line trading in the ASX Sharemarket Games certainly is a great example of using technology to make the experience more real and importantly, more fun.
“The Games show that new technology can improve the learning experience and extend the reach and accessibility of education for the community, schools and in the workplace.
“I congratulate the ASX for running the Games, teachers for including use of the Games in their lessons and, most importantly, the students who have pitched their skills against the market.
MELBOURNE
Contact: Gillian Harvey (03) 9887 3890
23 November 2005