Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Recently the Charles Darwin University Students' Association held an election to elect representatives for the coming year. I'd like to congratulate the new executive of the CDU Students' Association, in particular the new president, Benjamin Poveda-Alfonso, the vice-president, Manfred Mletsin, the secretary, Ali Dhirani, and the treasurer, Abdul Oshin, and all the other election winners, including my good mate Emma Boeck, who was elected as the women's officer for the CDU Students' Association. Well done, Emma!

Charles Darwin University is ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide and provides a great space for young Territorians to learn new trades and garner the skills that they need to pursue their profession or to pursue their passion. Backing in young Territorians is a no-brainer in my eyes. But, unfortunately, what we've seen from a succession of governments—whether it be the Abbott, Turnbull or Morrison government—is a $30 million cut to Charles Darwin University. This is unfair to young Territorians. It puts them at a disadvantage when compared to young people in other parts of the country, in particular young Australians in some of the larger capitals, who I'm very happy for. I just want young people in the Territory to have the same opportunities.

See this speech in context