Allegra Spender (Wentworth, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Today I share a speech by Ewan, a 14-year-old constituent of Wentworth. I'd like to thank Raise Our Voice Australia for helping to facilitate this.

Throughout the course of history, society has had to work together to solve issues, not individually. I personally was an individualist until I saw how much of a difference a collective society makes. But why? Because it allows us to focus on the greater good of our community, implement social rules that focus on promoting selflessness and placing families and community roles on a pedestal on a pedestal. There are many illustrations of this, such as the nation's population rolling up their sleeves to receive a COVID vaccine or the resilience shown by communities after the devastating effects of the Black Summer bushfires. This required mass rebuilding, ensuring no families in the future will suffer from bushfires. A collective society allows us to share the common good and make sure we can have a brighter future. Personally I have faith in our society. I believe we can change the course of the future by learning from our past to make a positive difference.

Thank you, Ewan, for sharing those special words, and thank you to all the young people in Wentworth who have been helping me over the last few weeks to understand what is important to you. You've told me that access to transport and active transport is important. You've told me that clean climate is really important to you. You've told me that gender equity is really important to you. You've told me that youth mental health is absolutely vital. You've told me about consent education. Finally, you've talked to me about inclusion and tolerance.

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