I take this opportunity to read out a speech by Olivia, who is 13, from Durack and part of the Raise Our Voice campaign, as follows:

One of the biggest problems shaping the future of the pastoral industry is the shortage of skilled workers.

Most pastoral stations, especially those in remote parts of Australia, struggle to find and keep experienced staff such as, station hands, mechanics, livestock managers and station cooks.

This shortage increases the workloads for existing workers, slow downs productivity and makes it more difficult for businesses to stay profitable and ensure animal welfare remains the priority.

In my opinion a meaningful action Parliament could take is to invest in a national agricultural workforce program.

This means it would include funding more trainees and apprentices, while improving regional services such as schools, hospitals and housing.

Parliament can also support schools and training organisations to encourage more young Australians to pursue careers in agriculture.

These changes would make rural jobs more attractive and help to build a skilled workforce for the future.

By taking these actions, Parliament will strengthen the pastoral industry, improve productivity, support rural communities and help make sure Australia's agricultural industry remains sustainable and competitive for many years to come.

Thank you, Olivia. I think we can all agree that there is some very good advice amongst your very well-chosen words.

A big issue affecting our regional communities is the changes to the Working Holiday Maker program and the subsequent impacts on regional Western Australia's workforce. Over the past few months, I have spoken many times about the government's senseless changes to the Working Holiday Maker program, and, in particular, the impact of the proposed second- and third-year ballot arrangements. I've now written yet another letter to the Minister for Home Affairs on behalf of several regional WA organisations representing business and primary producers who are deeply concerned that the proposed arrangements simply do not adequately recognise the workforce realities facing regional and remote Western Australia. It is not just these organisations that are concerned. The Labor WA Premier in Western Australia has also written to the Minister for Home Affairs. He wrote:

We simply cannot support changes to the working holiday maker visa scheme that could have such a significant negative impact on regional Western Australia.

So, Prime Minister, what's it going to stop? Please, stop playing politics. Our small businesses in regional Western Australia are on their knees. They need you to help them, not harm them.