Sophie Scamps (Mackellar, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to share Mackellar student Imogen Kee's thoughtful response to this year's Raise our Voice campaign, which asked, 'How can government build a better future for young Australians?' Imogen wrote:

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" It's a question we've been asked since we were five. The older I get, the harder it is to answer, not because I don't have dreams but because I wonder what kind of Australia I'll be stepping into.

An Australia where climate change has gone unchecked. Where mental health is in crisis. Where access to opportunity depends on your postcode. And where young women still earn less than men of equal ability.

Young Australians don't just want to grow up, we want to grow into a future that's fair, sustainable, and equal. To build that future, Parliament must take steps of responsibility not just for what happens now, but for what happens next. That means:

- Embedding a legal duty to consider the long-term impacts of decisions;

- Investing in public education, so every Aussie kid, not just the lucky few, can thrive;

- Funding real solutions to the mental health crisis;

- Closing the gender pay gap; and

- Giving young women a seat at every table where power is held.

'What do I want to be when I grow up?' I want to be heard. I want to lead. I want a future worth growing into. And I want to trust the government to take the steps to build a better tomorrow for young Australians.