Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise to share another contribution to the Raise Our Voice Australia campaign, this time from Erin Coull in my electorate, who's written about youth engagement, education and representation in politics and the benefit of volunteering. She says:

This year's Voices of Tasmania Report found that 97% of Tasmanians do not feel represented.

Young Tasmanian voting enrolment is lower than ever. Many of my classmates have no idea who their representatives are, or have been ignored so long they have given up on making their voices heard. I want this to change.

Firstly, our broken civics education must be reviewed. In senior secondary classrooms, we should ensure that all young Tasmanians are enrolled to vote, know to cast informed votes and know how to access representatives when they need them.

Additionally, in both our state and federal government, ministerial diary disclosure laws should be introduced to allow the public to see who politicians are meeting with, who's concerns they really care about, and who's voices have most influence over bills being developed.

Finally, we must ensure that people aren't needlessly left out of our democracy. Currently, prisoners serving three years or more are barred from voting, and despite overwhelming campaigning, sixteen and seventeen year-olds are still denied a vote.

In the space of 10 years, these changes would demonstrate a commitment to all Tasmanians, by ensuring we are empowered, educated and represented. Politics should reflect all voices.

Volunteering for charities has changed my life. Far from giving up my time, these organisations have given so much back to me, and in 10 years, I'd love to see more young people involved.

At Salvos Stores Launceston, I built my interpersonal skills in a supportive team. These soft skills make young people more employable and confident.

Additionally, youth often feel powerless about the problems in their communities. When I started volunteering, my mental health improved significantly with a direct way to help.

Lastly, volunteering also bridges age, cultural and socio-economic divides. Engaging with people in need makes our youth better informed, empathetic and motivated by others' struggles. In this way, volunteering has set me up for a lifetime of changemaking.

However, youth volunteers face financial, access and time pressures. These could be solved by awarding TCE points for volunteering as part of senior secondary education; subsidising public service fees like transport for youth who give back to their community would reward work and easing financial pressures.

And finally, schools should promote volunteer opportunities and recognise those who give back to their communities. Tasmania needs volunteers. In 10 years, investment in volunteering would help both our communities and youth thrive.

Thanks for your contribution, Erin. It's been my privilege to share it in this place today.