Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It gives me immense pleasure to congratulate Olivia Carroll, who is with us in the chamber, on being awarded the winner of Australia's 2025 My First Speech Competition in the year 11 category. This national competition invites senior secondary students in years 10, 11 and 12 to imagine themselves as newly elected members of parliament as they deliver a short speech on an issue they care deeply about. It helps young Australians engage with our democratic process.

Olivia is a constituent in my electorate of Isaacs, and I'm exceptionally proud of her achievement. She attends Kilbreda College in Mentone. I know that her school, her friends, her mum, Gail, and her late father, Paul, would all be very proud of her.

I will now read Olivia's speech, which reflects the thoughtfulness, care and conviction she brought to this competition. She wrote and she spoke this:

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

I rise today on the occasion of my first speech to talk about an issue that is close to my heart—organ donation. Specifically, the need to encourage more Aussies to take just one minute to register as a donor.

I know first hand the impact of organ donation, and the incredible joy and comfort it can provide families.

My Dad became my hero not just in life, but also in death, by donating his organs and saving the lives of 3 people. My Aunty is a living donor, who selflessly donated a kidney to my grandfather, giving us an extra 5 years with him. These are just a few of the stories from over 7000 organ donors across the country.

Still, we can't forget that over 2000 Australians are still waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. These are parents, children, friends, colleagues, and our fellow Australians. Real people hoping for a second chance at life.

While 4 out of 5 of us support organ donation, only 36% are registered to donate. Worse still, new registrations dropped by almost 5,400 in 2024.

There are no strangers in this country, only mates who we haven't met yet, and some of them are in desperate need of help.

One minute. That's all it takes to register and give someone a second chance at life.

Olivia's speech ends with a resounding call to action. I thank Olivia for her contribution to this competition and the maturity and care she has shown in raising such an important issue. Her speech is a reminder of the strength and compassion we see in young people across our country. It's encouraging to see students engaging so thoughtfully with national issues and with the work of this parliament. I again congratulate Olivia on this well-deserved achievement.

See this speech in context