Lidia Thorpe (Victoria, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is my privilege to share with you a speech written by a staunch young First Nations person as part of Raise Our Voices. Lillian said:

My name is Lillian. I am 16 years old and I live in the electorate of Indi.

In 10 years I want my community to be more diverse and educated. This change is important to me because I am part of the LGBTQI+ and Aboriginal community. I see how mean and rude people can be in this community and it made me realise that there is little to no education in this area.

I believe people are abusive, racist and homophobic because they are uneducated.

The impact of members of the LGBTQI+ and Aboriginal community is higher suicide rates, lower mental health, they are scared to reach out for help because of abuse and there is more of a risk of sexual assault.

Action on this issue is important because, if we do not, I fear that the abuse and bullying will only get worse.

Parliament must act by helping people within these communities and providing much-needed education on this matter.

Lillian needs to be a future politician because I'm sure Lillian can educate many in this place.

Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Congratulations to Lillian. I call Senator Scarr.