Sarah Witty (Melbourne, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to read a speech by a student in my electorate of Melbourne as part of Raise Our Voice Australia. I'm excited to be part of amplifying the voices of young people. Today I am reading a speech written by 19-year-old Arwa. They wrote:

Australia has been my home for many years, a country that has offered me incredible opportunities and success. But despite these immense benefits, it's simply not enough.

Australia is stalling. We lack critical progression in so many vital areas: from innovative ideas and committee wellness to health care, climate action, housing affordability, the cost-of-living crisis, and education.

Beyond these critical issues, Australia is suffering from a fundamental breakdown in social cohesion. We're losing the societal framework where all people, regardless of race, colour, or religion work together. This division is evident everywhere, from the halls of parliament to the very streets of our cities. We have lost our vital sense of community.

We must move forward as one country. It's imperative that we support those in our community who are less fortunate, ensuring everyone has the chance to experience the incredible potential Australia holds.

But above all, we must remember that we are one massive community that must help each other in building the Australia we all envision.

Well done Arwa, and thank you for your speech.