Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am very pleased to welcome to the Australian parliament today students, staff and two foundation members of Catholic College Wodonga. They are visiting parliament today. I have a very close relationship with Catholic College Wodonga, having been chair of the council for five years immediately preceding being elected the member for Indi. I have watched Catholic College grow and seen the students, with a great diversity of occupations and skills, making terrific contributions locally in Albury-Wodonga, nationally and now more and more frequently internationally. I would particularly like to acknowledge the role of the staff of Catholic College Wodonga who have organised the trip and the support the parents give to make such an important visit possible.

During lunch I was delighted to speak to a group of years 10 and 11 students doing history, economics and political studies. I thank them for their insightful and intelligent questions and the great interest they showed in the activities of Parliament House. My message is loud and clear to these young people. I hope your visit here today inspires you. I hope it inspires you to become active participants in the thriving democracy of Indi. I hope it encourages and inspires you to continue to make sure the voice of young people is heard in this House. I hope it inspires you as young people who are part of regional Australia to think about the contribution you can make in the long term to make Albury-Wodonga and Indi wonderful places.