CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Mr KEOGH (Burt—Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel) (10:27): Just because school students can't vote yet doesn't mean they shouldn't have a voice in our national conversation. Engaging with young people shouldn't be an afterthought, and that's why for the last eight years I've hosted the Burt Young Leaders Forum. At the forum, high-school students from across my community are invited to present speeches on the issues that are important to them and then discuss what actions could be taken to resolve them.

The issues they raise impact the whole of society, such as housing affordability, climate change, the cost of living and mental health. In that same vein, Raise Our Voice Australia gives young people a chance to have their voices heard in the Australian parliament, this year asking the question, 'What steps should the government take today to build a better tomorrow for young Australians?' Today I'm reading a speech on climate change from Yizhen, who lives in the electorate of Burt: The climate crisis is a looming challenge that we cannot continue to procrastinate.

As a young person, I feel the responsibility of restoring our Earth. I also feel a sense of helplessness. I am unsure of what I can do and if what I can do will really matter.

I can sort my recycling and turn off the lights. I can protest and write emails to politicians. But what does that actually achieve when our houses all run on fossil fuels, and public transport is so inconvenient that driving is near inescapable.

It is impossible for us to do what is right when harming the environment is so deeply embedded in our lives. When every step we take is, without exaggeration, a stab in the heart of our dying planet. Individuals cannot fix this.

We need collective, legislated action. First we must make our energy sources renewable. Renewable energy powers more renewable infrastructure, gradually taking us to sustainable production.

We need to start taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere by integrating greenery into our cities. We need to phase out burning, mining and exporting of fossil fuels. To prepare, we must start investing in and training people for new industries.

Together, we need to take a loss and flip these feedback loops from negative to positive. The way our country operates today cannot continue. We must adapt, respect and cooperate with nature.

Progress is already being made, but it isn't enough. I urge the government to take a real step towards sustainability. Towards a better tomorrow for, not just young Australians, but all Australians, now.

Thank you, Yizhen, for your contribution to the Australian parliament. I was proud to be able to read your speech here today.