Madonna Jarrett (Brisbane, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to read the winning entry from Raise Our Voice. It's from 11-year-old Arianna, who goes to St Rita's College in Brisbane in my electorate. Arianna says:

I want to see a future where every person in my community and across Australia feels safe, valued, and respected, no matter their background, appearance, beliefs, or lifestyle.

I imagine communities that are more united, that genuinely celebrate diversity and promote understanding.

I want to see schools that are truly safe spaces, where bullying and harassment are taken seriously and actively decreased.

To support this vision, Parliament can take real action, they can fund nationwide anti-bullying programs in schools and make them mandatory for students, work with tech companies to stop cyberbullying and online abuse, provide more school counsellors and mental health services for students.

Most importantly, guarantee that Parliament itself promotes respectful debate and has zero tolerance for bullying in public life because leaders should lead by example.

This goal is so important because bullying does not just hurt in the moment; it can stay with a person for life.

Many people in our community have experienced bullying, whether at school or online, and we must stop our young Australians from carrying that pain inside because it can lead to serious mental health issues, even suicide.

Ending bullying will help create a peaceful, loving, and safe Australia for everyone.

Together, we have the power to create a future where everyone feels safe, respected, and included.

With leadership like yours, Arianna, our future is in good hands.