One of the most important responsibilities in being a member of parliament is representing everyone in your electorate, whether they voted for you or not. But we also must give advice to those who can't vote, and that's our young people. In my electorate of Shortland, roughly 20 per cent of the population is under the age of 18.

The Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign gives young Australians an opportunity to deliver messages on issues that matter most to them. As part of this campaign, Akira from Belmont, on the beautiful shores of Lake Macquarie, wrote about the pressures faced by HSC students. Here is Akira's a Raise Our Voice statement:

Recently, I conducted a survey of 47 students and recent graduates to better understand their experiences. The results were striking.

More than 74 per cent reported feeling high or extremely high pressure to achieve a high ATAR, while 83 per cent said this pressure came from themselves. This shows just how deeply the expectations surrounding the HSC have become internalised.

The responses revealed the real impacts this pressure is having on students. Many described their biggest concerns as 'trying not to fall apart' and 'not getting into university because of my marks.'

Perhaps one of the most striking responses was 'the feeling of wasting so much of my youth years, missing out on memories and not living my life as a teenager as a result of studying and doing school work all the time.'

The survey also highlighted educational inequality. An overwhelming 91.5% believe private schools provide greater support for HSC students than public schools.

Students were clear about what needs to change: increased funding for public schools, meaningful wellbeing support, greater promotion of alternate pathways, and mentoring programs to help students navigate their futures.

I rise today so that no student feels the future is defined by a single exam or their worth determined by a number.

Every student deserves to approach their future with confidence, not fear.

That was Akira's submission. Despite finishing high school a number of years ago, I agree with Akira. A test result or number should not define your worth. We must support the next generation through their education, giving them the opportunities and resources to succeed.

I'm proud that the Albanese Labor government has committed record funding to our public schools, expanded access to free TAFE and created more pathways for young Australians to pursue further education. Thank you, Akira, for your speech for shining a spotlight on what people are going through. As the HSC exams conclude, I say to every student: your ATAR does not define who you are or what you will be. Be proud of what you've achieved and what you will achieve in life. To the parents, carers, teachers and all supporters of all these kids, thank you for all your hard work in getting them through an extremely stressful period. It will soon be over as they turn to the next stage of their life. Thank you to everyone who supports the next generation in Shortland and in the whole nation.