STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms CLUTTERHAM (Sturt) (13:38): The Raise Our Voice in Parliament 2025 campaign is a platform for young Australians to voice their opinion on important topics. Ananya, a resident of my electorate of Sturt, aged just 12, spoke about supporting student wellbeing. These are Ananya's words: What would you do if your child struggled silently with mental health problems because no one cared enough to help?

Right now, 35.9% of high school students and 27.4% of primary students in Australia face anxiety or depression. We must act now. Every student deserves to feel safe and supported at school.

By funding qualified mental health professionals like therapists and psychologists in schools, we can give students a safe space to talk and heal. For example, Monash University's wellbeing program helped over 40,000 students reduce anxiety and depression. Early support prevents long-term harm.

Without help, students may struggle to learn, lose self-esteem, and even self-harm. In 2023, 94 young Australians under 17 died by suicide—most were just 15 to 17 years old. Timely help could save lives and futures.

Investing in school-based mental health support shapes a healthier, stronger generation. As the Black Dog Institute says, early help lowers mental illness later in life. If we act now, we build resilient communities and a brighter future for all Australians.

Let's act before it's too late.