'What is one big issue shaping our future, and what is a meaningful action you want parliament to take on it?' Earlier this year, Raise Our Voice asked that question to women and gender diverse people under 25 years of age. I'd like to read two responses to the question from two young people in my electorate. First, from Evelyn, aged 11, who argues that our school curriculum should not include artificial intelligence, especially where it impedes the mental health and cybersafety of our students. Evelyn says:

Data shows strong evidence that screens have significant effects on mental and physical health on children. The more they were engaged with screens, the likelier they were to develop socioemotional problems as screens are a coping mechanism, the socioemotional problems that would arise would be anxiety, depression, aggression and hyperactivity, which would lead to a damaged family relationship, behavioural issues, attention and self-esteem challenges.

It is time that our curriculum prioritises student health and cyber security with the same urgency as traditional subjects!

The second response I received was from Iris, who is 13 years old. Iris says:

To combat anti-immigrant sentiment in Australia, it would help to teach a more inclusive history to young Australians, they would be educated in the diverse histories of cultures beyond their own, increasing their empathy and understanding.

Australians need to know about the wrongdoings of the British empire.

They need to learn about other countries histories'; about minorities' histories, such as feminist history, the history of other races and religions, and queer history.

Iris then suggested that parliament could review the curriculum, reconsidering how historical events are taught with an increasing focus on critical thinking for all year groups. She believes this is necessary for the general education and betterment of society. I couldn't agree more. Thank you to both Evelyn and Iris for your youthful responses.

I'd also like to take the remaining time to thank the group of young adults and students from the Australian Youth Climate Coalition action groups who visited me recently. In fact, some are in parliament today with their report to the special rapporteur around climate action and the trust gap between the Australian government's commitment to the Pacific nations around care and climate and continuing to make the problem worse by approving coal and gas. I thank young people for being engaged in their democracy and caring about their issues. Contact your local MPs. Make your voice be heard.