Luke Howarth (Petrie, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence Industry) Share this | Hansard source

Across Australia, year 12s are celebrating the end of their high-school journey. In my home state of Queensland, over 20,000 school leavers converge on Surfers Paradise, on the Gold Coast, each year. I'd like to highlight the amazing work of the State Emergency Service and youth support and volunteer services like Red Frogs. Red Frogs has over 600 volunteers every year to safeguard the school leavers and to act as positive peer influencers in this period of critical transition. As the former Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, I have personally witnessed the amazing work Red Frogs do, whether it's cooking pancakes for the schoolies or doing walk-homes for people after concerts.

Over the last few weeks I've had the privilege of attending schools around my electorate to present the Petrie Shield. There were 123 recipients; 32 from year 12. Tips for year 12 after they leave: get into the workforce, find a part-time or full-time job. If you're studying, work part time for a bit of experience. Find a mentor in your field of choice. You can learn a lot from someone else's experience. And, if you're taking a gap year, stay busy—volunteer, travel, work part time. It's a great time to discover dreams and passions for your future.

Congratulations to all the year 12 school leavers. Well done. Enjoy the moment.

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