ADJOURNMENT

Senator THORPE (Victoria—Independent VIC Whip) (19:54): As part of the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign, I would like to read out in this federal parliament the messages of two impressive young people on what their vision is for the future. Lucy, who is 12, is the first young person: Hello my name is Lucy I am 12 years old and live in the electorate of Goldstein.

I strongly believe that the government should improve disability inclusion within schools to build a better and brighter future for everyone. I believe this because I have lived with cerebral palsy all my life. Disabilities are diverse in schools from cerebral palsy to adhd,asd and dyslexia .

I'm lucky because at school people help me do hard things and my friends show kindness and empathy. I would like the government to make education about disabilities compulsory because then students become empathetic and kind because they have an understanding of the diverseness of disabilities. This would make the disabled people feel happy and included in their school.

Thank you for listening to what I have to say. Flynn, who is 12, says: Hi my name is Flynn from the electorate of Goldstein. I am 12 years old.

And know the way to a better and safer tomorrow is through putting more money into youth mental health. Youth mental health is so important, especially indigenous mental health as 33% of indigenous Australians suffer from mental health problems. I think if we give more money into mental health then we can make services of support more accessible for people who need them.

Even more, we could add lots of counseling facilities in most areas. Suicide is the leading cause of death amongst young people. By increasing the funding in this area, young people could have more access to support services and prevention programs.

If people can just get the support they need, we will be a much better place and healthier society. I think that these solutions would provide help where it's needed and give guidance where it's wanted. Thank you to these two incredible young people.

Senate adjourned at 19:57