Ben Small (Forrest, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak on behalf of 14-year-old Kyran Bacon of Carey Park in Bunbury. He was part of the raise your voice competition and was asked, 'What steps should government take today to build a better tomorrow young Australians?' Here's what he had to say:

As a young Australian I care about mental health.

It's a big issue for kids my age. Too many of us feel stressed, sad or even alone.

We need help but sometimes it's hard to find or too expensive.

The government should act now.

They should put more money into school counsellors and youth programs.

They should make sure help is easy to get and free for everyone.

We need safe spaces to talk and be heard. Mental health matters because it affects everything in school like friendships and our future. If we feel better, we do better.

People should care because strong minds build strong communities.

If the government acts today Australia will be a kinder and healthier place.

Young people will grow up feeling supported and ready to take on the world. We'll have less crime, better schools and happier families.

Let's build a future where no one feels alone so let's start now.

Because Kyran felt so passionate about that and, I think, that spoke to a sentiment we can all share in—wanting Australia to do better—I was very pleased to read that out.