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

[by video link] For Youth Voice in Parliament Week, this speech was written by Chelsea Rossignolo, a very talented 17-year-old constituent of mine, and the topic was 'What do you want Australia to look like in 20 years?'

'Accountable. In 20 years I know that what I want Australia to look like is accountable—accountable for its tainted past, undervaluing of diversity and abuses of power. For me, this looks like taking the time to listen to marginalised voices and taking on what they have to say not just in theory but in practice. Today my fellow young Australians and I struggle to associate this notion with what has been presented to us. From sexual misconduct scandals, leadership spills and a dismal vaccine rollout, our introduction to the political world has been less than idyllic. We yearn for the innovation and integrity described in our classrooms and the days our political landscape was dominated by pioneers of change, both in and out of our parliament, like Susan Ryan, Eddie Mabo and William Deane. Of course, I don't want our future to look the same as our past, but I hope that we can take inspiration from these figures that push for accountability with us. While it is easy to be disheartened from entering or studying politics right now, I hope that my fellow young Australians can be driven by optimism for what can come and see the potential in Australia that I do.'