Sam Birrell (Nicholls, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My constituent Maddison Lyons made the following contribution to the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign:

Members of parliament. My name is Maddison Lyons, I am 18 years old and a member of Nicholls.

I need to address the topic of social cohesion. Social cohesion is the heartbeat of a thriving democracy.

This is what I want to achieve for our community in ten years.

Not only my community, but for all of Australia.

Social cohesion is truly the most important factor to create a country that is welcoming to all. It is the invisible thread that binds us together ensuring our diverse society can come together, where we create communities where everyone feels valued and represented, where differences bring us together and are celebrated, where people of all walks of life can live together in harmony.

But social cohesion doesn't happen on its own. It requires deliberate action. This is where our Parliament must lead with vision and courage.

Parliament can help achieve this goal by focusing on creating a more inclusive and representative government through education programs that support and recognise high school students from all cultures and backgrounds, guiding them into roles of leadership.

Imagine a future where our Parliament reflects the true diversity of Australia, where young people like myself, are given the tools and opportunities to shape the laws and policies that impact their lives.

Let us work together to ensure that in ten years' time, Australia is not just a collection of communities, but a truly cohesive society where every individual is represented, respected and valued through our government.

Well done, Maddison!