Rebecca White (Lyons, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to take the opportunity today to speak on behalf of a group of remarkable young people who wrote to me as part of the My First Speech competition. Students from across the Derwent Valley took the time to share their ideas for making our community stronger, fairer and more vibrant. From horseriders to skaters and musicians to future business owners, these young Tasmanians are showing us what it means to dream big for rural and regional Tasmania.

Ella and Sophie raised concerns about litter and pollution along the Derwent river and our bush tracks. They see the beauty of our region and they want to protect it for generations to come. Cooper asked for a bigger skate park in New Norfolk because he knows that, when young people have places to gather safely, communities thrive. Jaidah called for more jobs for young people, not just for spending money but to help her family and learn independence. That's the spirit of regional Tasmania—practical, hardworking and community minded. Olive suggested more after-school programs, from sport to art and sewing, to keep kids active and engaged. Adam and Billy thought big about the future of the Derwent Valley, imagining new industries and workplaces that create jobs locally while protecting the environment. Alex wrote about wanting more opportunities in New Norfolk—new places to work, eat and play and even dirt-bike tracks that could host events and bring people together. Emillia spoke with passion about learning. She wants more teachers and specialists in music, art and languages so kids in regional Tasmania have the same opportunities as kids elsewhere.

These ideas show us that our young people are observant, thoughtful and proud of where they live. They're paying attention and they believe in the power of community to make things better. Their voices remind us that opportunity shouldn't be determined by where you grow up. Whether you live in the heart of Sydney, in Hobart or in the Derwent Valley, every child should be able to learn, work and dream close to home. Their voices remind us of how important it is to listen to these young people. To Ella, Sophie, Cooper, Jaidah, Olive, Adam, Billy, Alex and Emillia: thank you for your honesty, your ideas and your love for your community. You've given us a glimpse of the future of regional Tasmania. It is built on creativity, care and confidence, because, when we uplift young people, we uplift the whole of Tasmania, and I'd like to thank each of them for participating in the speech competition.