Josh Burns (Macnamara, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to share with you the words of 21-year-old Emily Rush from McNamara. Emily participated in the Youth Voice in Parliament campaign, which asks young people around Australia what they think our new government should accomplish. I would also like to note that Raise Our Voice Australia is run by Ashleigh, who lives in the great electorate of McNamara. Here are Emily's words:

I want Australia's new parliament to address the cost-of-living crisis.

In 2020 I moved to this electorate from a small country town excited to start a new life in Melbourne. When Covid struck, not only was I isolated and alone in my little apartment, but as a renter my expenses only grew. In the span of a year, I had to work multiple jobs to barely afford my rent.

There were weeks where I had to choose between buying my groceries and paying my rent.

As a result of all of this I had to put my education on pause.

I want to see a government that will help young people like me to ease the cost of living pressures we face because I know I'm not alone.

Without change I see myself as only being a renter.

My parents are able to own their own house, but her me that seems like more of a dream than a reality.

Young people are tired of waiting.

We need change now.

We need action.

I say to Emily: I really appreciate you putting those words together, and we'll work extremely hard in this place to deliver for you and the other young people in our great country.

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