Skye Kakoschke-Moore (SA, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Hansard source

It is incredibly disappointing that the government and the opposition are opposing this motion. If the major parties are genuine about recognising the needs and aspirations of our youth then they should support the call for a minister for young people. Currently, young people feel like they are being spoken at, not with, about policies that have a direct bearing on their lives and their futures—policies in areas like housing affordability, education, employment, transport and health. With no minister responsible for advocating for young people at a cabinet level, we run the risk that the needs and views of our youth will continue to be an afterthought. Appointing a minister for young people will send a clear message that the parliament wants to engage with Australia's youth and that we take their needs seriously.

Honourable senators interjecting—