Carlin proves himself a legend with experience in halls of power

WHEN Carlin Anderson describes himself as an all-rounder, it is with typical teenage understatement.

Carlin Anderson

WHEN Carlin Anderson describes himself as an all-rounder, it is with typical teenage understatement.

The 16-year-old has won a scholarship to Ipswich Grammar School and represented his state in cricket and his nation in rugby and softball.

Now he's been chosen to bowl up to Education Minister Peter Garrett as part of a program designed to give indigenous students a first-hand look at how government and the public service works.

Carlin, who grew up with two brothers in the Queensland town of Gympie, is one of 100 Year 11 and 12 students who will spend this week in the office of a member of federal parliament as part of the Learn Earn Legend! Work Exposure in Government program.

In its third year, the $40 million program was developed by the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation and former minister for indigenous employment Mark Arbib.

Carlin became aware of the scheme earlier this year when Ipswich Grammar became an AIEF partner school. At the urging of a teacher, he applied for a position and landed a plum spot inside Mr Garrett's office, which is implementing the Gonski recommendations on school funding.

"I never thought I'd get the opportunity to come down and spend a week with Peter Garrett," Carlin said after arriving in Canberra yesterday. "I'm pretty stoked. I come from a small town with not many opportunities. It just opens up a lot more pathways and stuff like this that I can get involved with."

AIEF chief executive Andrew Penfold said the program was designed to "demystify" the political process for indigenous students, particularly those living in regional areas.

"It is a fantastic way for them to open their eyes and see the opportunities that are available," Mr Penfold said. "They often come from fairly remote regional places and are the first in their families to go through Year 12, so they don't really understand that the world is out there waiting for them."