Kristina Keneally (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

ator KENEALLY (—) (): I rise to speak on behalf of Ali Sina Yousofi, aged 19, from Mount Druitt in New South Wales, as part of the inaugural Youth Voice in Parliament Week. These are Ali's words:

'"What is my vision for Australia in 20 years?" was the question for the speech, but I want to ask those who will implement these changes: "What kind of environment do you envision for your children in 20 years?"

'It is hard to envision the future. Maybe I am uncreative, but I know it starts with you and I today. My name is Ali Sina Yousofi and I am 19 years old. I study medical science at UTS and I am a resident in Mount Druitt, New South Wales.

'It is fascinating how advantageous it is to be an individual not from Afghanistan in terms of getting a visa faster. It is captivating to witness how long it takes a visa to be granted to someone from Afghanistan but funny how little it takes for someone who is not. It's funny how I was thinking whether I wanted to address the long period it takes to finally be an Australian citizen and enjoy its advantage or whether I wanted to be a voice for my community, whose families' lives are in danger, deprived from basic human rights, and to actually be granted those visas they've been waiting years for.

'I wish nothing but for the reconnection of families and loved ones. I kindly ask those in power, who will have a family to go back home to every day, who will kiss their children goodnight every night, to allow my community here the same privilege of having a family to go home to. I am a voice of many and I hope this little voice was heard.'

Thank you, Ali. Thank you for your words today, and thank you for sharing them with this parliament.