Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I've had the pleasure of meeting regularly with the school captains of Warringah as part of the Warringah Youth Ambassadors Program. They are bright and engaged young people who are focused on excellence, showing leadership and making a difference to their classmates and their communities. Many of them want to study science and medicine and care deeply about the environment and the future of our planet. We've had in-depth discussions about respect and consent, mental health, growing a sense of community in their schools, the role of defining gender and sexuality, the impacts of climate change and the legacy of our generation's lack of action on theirs.

Listening to the ambassadors speak so sensibly and work through issues in an open and respectful way, looking to each other for new viewpoints, it makes me hopeful that these young people are much more collaborative and open to discussion than many in this place. It's not enough to read out speeches written by young people. We need a process for young leaders to have a voice and a role in this parliament, in this place, where the decisions that are being made will have long and lasting impacts on their future. Young leaders of Australia need more opportunities to contribute to our discussions and long-term policies. This generation is not one to be silenced. They are smart and agile communicators and they will be heard. As students return to classrooms next week in Warringah, I want to wish them all the best of luck in their exams. You have got this. Thank you to the parents and teachers. It has been a tough year but you have succeeded.