Matt Smith (Leichhardt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

As part of my work in the community, I welcome in work experience kids to my office. They spend the week. They shadow me. They occasionally answer the phones. They occasionally write letters. One thing I get them all to do is help me write a speech. My last work experience kid was Sania Arora. She attends St Monica's College. She's 15 years old. Her parents migrated from India when she was just a small child. She remembers a bit of India, but Cairns is her home. She is clever and driven, and it was a pleasure to have her. This is her speech:

I rise today to express sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister, Members of Parliament and to al those who serve within the House. Leadership carries great responsibility and it is important that we pause to acknowledge the dedication shown by those entrusted with guiding our nation.

Public service requires patience, discipline and a deep commitment to the Australian people. Every decision made in this chamber reflects long hours of effort and a shared desire to build a stronger future. The progress our nation has achieved is a result of commitment and cooperation. Your leadership and service continue to strengthen Australia and guide our nation forward.

I also extend appreciation to the staff, advisors and community leaders who support the work of this Parliament. Their contributions often made quietly and constantly, are essential to the functioning of our democracy.

Australia continues to grow stronger through integrity, respect and service. In times of challenge and in times of progress, it is unity, respect and cooperation that move our nation forward. Today, we recognise the resilience and commitment of those who lead with integrity and purpose.

On behalf of the communities we represent, I say thank you for your service in Australia.

Sania Arora.

I read it and I was struck because it's easy to get lost—sometimes in the cynicism, sometimes in question time. But I know that every single person here, every single person in this room, is here out of a desire to make their communities better. The philosophies might be different. The way we go about it might be different. But we've all put our hand up for this service, and to have a 15-year-old come in with that kind of clarity to remind us of the reasons that we're here every day was really refreshing. She is a great kid. She's got fantastic ambitions and she's an absolute credit to her school and a credit to our region. I have welcomed her back. I hope that she'll spend some more time in my office. Words cannot describe just how excited I was to have her and just how excited she was to be a part of the process. Sania, we're going to print this out and send it to you. Thank you so much for your time.

See this speech in context