Tammy Tyrrell (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Something that doesn't dominate national headlines but quietly shapes the future of our country is the transition of young Australians into adulthood. Across Tasmania—and, increasingly, across the nation—we are seeing pressures facing young people increase 10-fold: the rising cost of living, unrealistic housing markets, financial stress, mental health challenges and, for more than we care to admit, no lessons in independence.

For six years, one incredible Tasmanian has been working to do something practical about it. Through her organisation, Upturned Tasmania, Alyssia Kennedy has been delivering a life-after-school program that equips young people with the real-world skills they need to step into adulthood—not theory and not abstract advice but practical, scenario based learning about budgeting, taxes, super, responsibilities, employment and independence. It is a program built on a simple but powerful premise: if we prepare young people properly for adult life we can reduce financial stress, improve mental health outcomes and increase long-term employment and wellbeing. And it works. The proof is in the pudding and in the national recognition this program and its founder have received. In 2025, Alyssia became an ABC Trailblazer winner, finally recognised for the goals kicked over the last six years. This year—and I feel immense pride in saying this because she's a friend—she was deservedly announced as the 2026 Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania.

Those awards are simply a bonus to her. Alyssia tells me that the real success is felt through the people she helps. Recently a parent stopped to say thank you. His son had gone through the program and, for the very first time, understood the real cost of moving out of home and how to navigate that challenge. That realisation is invaluable, as it is the basis of living as an adult. He understood he could not rely indefinitely on the bank of mum and dad. He began planning, taking responsibility, thinking ahead. On another occasion, two young women approached her at the end of a session. They thanked Alyssia for giving them scenarios to think about—budgeting and problem solving. They left not just informed but empowered to take control of their lives and make the best of it. These stories are not isolated. The program has now been running for six years, and it continues to gain traction. Schools and communities are engaging. There is growing interest from Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. This is grassroots impact with national potential.

Yet, despite its proven impact, this program operates without secure funding. To properly run and expand the program across Tasmania for the next two years, Upturned has asked for a modest funding amount of $600,000. That funding would not only help secure its delivery locally but also allow the potential for a structured trial interstate, laying the groundwork for national expansion. Let me be clear. This is not for a pilot program; it has been running successfully for six years. It is not asking whether there is demand; there is already interest interstate. It's not asking whether there is a need; the data on youth financial stress and mental health speaks for that. What it is asking for is backing.

Currently this work is done in the little spare time Alyssia has on the side of her full-time job. With appropriate support it could become a full-time gig with paid staff and continuity. Imagine the impact of having consistent, practical early intervention education for young people across Australia. Think of the benefits of equipping them before they fall into debt traps or disengage from education or employment and before financial stress spirals drive them into mental health crisis. Prevention is always more cost effective than response. If we're serious about reducing youth mental health challenges, increasing employment participation and improving long-term wellbeing, then we must support initiatives that intervene early and practically. Upturned Tasmania does exactly that. It's proven, it's community driven, and it is already inspiring young Australians to take responsibility for their futures.

I call on those in this chamber and those watching to not take this work for granted and instead support it and ensure its future as it ensures our young people's future, because, when we invest in young people's future, we are not just funding a program; we are investing in resilience, we're investing in independence, and we're investing Australia's future.