Craig Laundy (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

While we celebrate Harmony Day tomorrow, I want to bring the House's to the fact that tomorrow is also the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. The seat of Reid has some 50 schools across the electorate and a body of students from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds who are great representatives of their communities. Unfortunately, Australian research suggests that up to one in four of these students has experienced some level of bullying. Bullying affects everyone involved and can have serious and long-term emotional or psychological consequences, as well as the immediate and harmful effects. Bullying undermines the key values that the schools of Reid aim to promote in students—respect, trust and honesty.

I would like to emphasise to the students the important role they play in combating bullying and violent behaviour. I urge them to embrace the motto 'Bullying. No way!' As the next generation, the actions they take tomorrow are important in forming the community and society that they will live in as they continue their schooling career.

I applaud any effort to stamp out bullying. It is not to be tolerated. The children of the schools of Reid, and children of every electorate, are the future of this country, and anything that can be done, including this wonderful initiative tomorrow, should be applauded. To the kids of Reid I say: 'Bullying. No Way!'