Jason Falinski (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to present a speech by Edward Sethaphanich, a 15-year-old at Narrabeen Sports High School who lives in Dee Why, in my electorate. This is his speech for Raise Our Voice in Parliament.

'Mr Speaker, the honourable Prime Minister and honourable members of this House, 20 years into the future I envision Australia to be a much more influential and greater nation than what it is today, one which guarantees a sustainable future, provides our children with an advanced education system and creates vast opportunities through innovation. Twenty years into the future of Australia, I have a clear vision of a growing digital economy where businesses are able to perform freely, without the risk of government intervention, while workers are able to work in a safe and diverse environment, filled with different experiences and visions for this nation. Twenty years into the future, I have a clear vision of Australia being a nation which doesn't join wars but rather helps others in times of need and becomes the pure representation of unity and peace, to save tears for another day. But, more importantly, 20 years into the future, I envision Australia to be a nation which ventures into the vast stretches of the unknown, the unfinished and the unanswered, in order to be the guiding light as to what can be achieved if we all work together.'

See this speech in context