Gladys Liu (Chisholm, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today, for Youth Voice in Parliament Week, I will be reading a speech written by a young Chisholm local. Her name is Maahi Verma. When asked, 'What is your vision for Australia in 20 years?' Maahi said:

I was born in Australia. I call Australia my home. My mummy and daddy call Australia their home. My Grandma and Grandpa call Australia their home.

But I am a bit confused. When I watch TV, why don't I see many people that look like me or my mummy and daddy? I know that people who are on TV are really important people. So why don't really important people look like me? My mummy says that people who come on TV make decisions about my life. They decide what my future is going to be like. So, if that's true I want people who look like me to make decisions about me.

I also want to feel important. I also want to be heard. This is about my future. This is about the future of my country. In 20 years, I want Australia to value all of its people.

I say to Maahi: we hear you and I look forward to seeing you on TV and perhaps here in parliament. (Time expired)