Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Centre Alliance) Share this | Hansard source

Earlier this year, Foundations for Tomorrow sent me their Awareness to action report, which captured over 10,000 young Australian voices, providing an insight into critical issues for young people. The results of the report are confronting. Only four per cent of young Australians have absolute confidence in our approach to solving global challenges, with 60 per cent feeling uncertain about the future. When young people were asked what traits would enable them to put their trust in leaders they identified proactive action, increased sustainability and improved transparency. While these findings indicate a trust deficit amongst young Australians, they also provide insight into how the situation may be rectified. Our young voices are diverse and perceptive. It's time they were heard.

Many Australians, especially young people, remain underrepresented in our parliament, and I believe that until they see themselves in our chambers we will struggle to rebuild this trust. This group embodies the future of Australia. It is our responsibility to encourage their engagement and their shaping of it.

To achieve this goal I joined with the Raise Our Voice campaign, which strives to amplify young voices, offering a platform on which to lead conversations on domestic and foreign policy. This year participants were asked to submit a 90-second speech in response to the question 'What should Australia's new parliament accomplish?' In Mayo I received five distinctive entries, and I felt that each warranted recognition. Fifteen-year-old Addison discussed sexual assault, identifying failures in our justice system and the need for greater action. Eleven-year-old Denver argued convincingly for the construction of an Adelaide cricket ground. Seventeen-year-old Thomas spoke of a future in which 'issues of oppression and coercion are brought into the spotlight', with similar views being presented by 11-year-old Hudson, who spoke about 'increasing awareness of racism' and 'remembering that we're all humans, no matter what race you are'. Finally, 16 year old Daniel shared and excerpt from his poem about climate action. He wrote:

I gaze with sorrow,

For I know what comes tomorrow.

Water, wind and fire

of which she warned them would follow.

I must say, it is a privilege to talk and engage with young people in our community. I don't know about other members in this chamber, but certainly when I talk to young people in my community I feel immense hope for tomorrow.

See this speech in context