STATEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

The SPEAKER (15:27): I'd like to inform the House that earlier today I had the pleasure of officially launching the National Youth Parliament, which will involve 150 youth members, each representing one of Australia's federal electorates, travelling to Canberra next year for a five-day program to be held both here at Parliament House and at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

I wish to thank the Prime Minister for his support in ensuring that this program has occurred, alongside the Minister for Education for his outstanding work in the civics engagement piece. I thank the members who attended the launch. I'm looking forward to bipartisan support for all members to get involved, and I look forward to some friendly competition in the months ahead while applications are open.