Ted O'Brien (Fairfax, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

The decisions we make in this place will determine Australia for the future. Indeed, the bigger decisions will determine Australia for generations to come. This is why it's so vitally important that we listen to younger Australians. It is important for us to understand what they think is great about Australia today and that which needs to change and to hear what they envisage for Australia's future. That is why recently I was so excited to facilitate a workshop with 50 young 17-year-olds from across my electorate from all different schools to hear what it is they envisage for Australia's future.

It's a reminder to me of the importance of the job we do in this place to protect that which is precious about Australia, to seek to change that which can be improved and, more than anything else, to set Australia up for future generations so that they can enjoy the same prosperity and freedoms which we have enjoyed over our own lifetimes. I want to say thank you to the schools across Fairfax and the students who participated. It is your contributions which inspire me to continue to work in this place for you and your families.

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