David Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Hansard source

The Raise Our Voice Australia campaign allows young people to express their vision for our nation's parliament. Today I'm thrilled to speak on behalf of 18-year-old Benjamin Springhall from my electorate. Benjamin writes:

Next year, I will be venturing out into the real world as I pursue a Bachelor's degree in International Relations.

First off, University sounds scary. It's scary because I have to find a whole new place to live, which at this point in time sounds impossible.

Being a kid from the small regional town of Kingaroy, I must leave home and travel to Brisbane or a larger city for university.

Whilst it is possible for a regional kid to do university online these days, it is hard to gain the new experiences and full education of being on campus.

The parliament should implement more support to regional kids leaving home, some of which have never been to a city before.

Increased funding in regional education could even one day give regional kids the opportunity to commence university not far from home.

Whilst I wouldn't be considered extremely disadvantaged, I worry about the financial stress my parents and I will go through on this unknown journey.

The financial stress in this day and age alone is worrying, however for someone from the regions, it is truly horrifying.

The politicians in Canberra should work with bipartisanship to ensure all youth have equal opportunity. The future of this nation lies in their hands.

Benjamin, you are right: the stress and financial pressures that our regional young people face when it comes to education are massive. As a parliament, we must work together, and, as the federal member for Maranoa, I will fight for this.

See this speech in context