Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to welcome to parliament today student leaders and two staff members from Galen Catholic College in Wangaratta. Captains Will Robinson and Kate Saunders, vice-captains Chloe and Will and teachers Laurie Burt and Tracey Walsh. I would like to acknowledge, honour and thank these young people and all the young people in my electorate who take on a leadership role in their schools. These young people tell me that Galen, with a population of 1,400, is a good school. There are so many opportunities, in a relaxed and productive way, to learn, to form good relationships and to learn the skills that they need to take their places in society. There are many opportunities, including leadership training 'Why Lead?', immersion trips to Timor-Leste and Santa Teresa in the Northern Territory, exchange trips overseas, many activities for the arts, production, theatre and for singing, and opportunities for social justice work.

Today at lunch we discussed issues facing young people at schools in north-eastern Victoria. One of the particular issues we discussed was the broader anomalies that exist for young people in getting their licences and driving between New South Wales and Victoria—the different ages in getting your P plates and the different rules governing P plates. If we could do something at all in this House to create national road laws, it would make a big difference to young people. Congratulations, Galen! Welcome to Parliament House. I hope you return here often.

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