Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am delighted to inform the House that Chay Conaglen from Rockhampton State High School, in Capricornia, has won the Australian parliament's My First Speech competition. The 17-year-old was one of 150 entries from years 10 to 12 students from around the country. Chay will be in Canberra this week to present his speech in the Parliament House precinct, hosted by our wonderful Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Chay is a terrific young man and this competition represents an amazing achievement. His achievement highlights just how talented our country youth are in Capricornia and that you can achieve amazing things if you put your mind to it. Recently, I introduced Chay to the Prime Minister during a trip to Rockhampton. In the My First Speech competition, entrants were asked to imagine themselves as a newly elected MP and to write a three-minute speech. Chay's speech included topics such as Australia's economic policy and our relationships with China and India. Congratulations, Chay, and we look forward to seeing you in Canberra this week to present your winning speech.