CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr HUSIC (Chifley) (10:10): Growing up, we either saw or were troublemakers at school. Sometimes it's because young people— A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 10:10 to 11:29 Mr HUSIC: Growing up, we either saw or were troublemakers at school. Sometimes it's because young people are doing what young people do, attracting a bit of attention while working out who they are.
Sometimes that's read as being a troublemaker, but it masks something deeper. The reality is that young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds are up to five years behind in school compared to their peers, and one in five young people disengage to the point of leaving school early. Sometimes the response to kids' bad behaviour or disengagement is to shut them out or kick them out of school.
It's a big call, and I'm not pointing fingers at schools—it's not an easy decision to make. The bigger test is in how to get those young people re-engaged and to rebuild the trust held by someone who feels they've been given up on. I want to state my deep respect for those people in our community who don't give up on those kids or those teenagers and who work with them.
Learning Ground in Bidwill, supported by the Chain Reaction Foundation, have done this for years. The greatest thing they do is rekindle in young people a belief in themselves that they can make a greater life for themselves. Many of the young people at Learning Ground are growing up in environments that are shaped by domestic violence, substance abuse, hardship and families under huge pressure.
These young people arrive at school carrying more than most. They're exhausted, hungry and emotionally overwhelmed. Learning Ground brings together educators, volunteers, philanthropists and local leaders, and they're rallying around a simple but powerful belief that every young person deserves the chance to succeed.
A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 11:31 to 11:43 Mr HUSIC: From literacy programs to vocational support, young people get a chance to think about how to reshape their lives. Learning Ground demonstrates the very best of our community. I thank them warmly for what they do.
Their work couldn't be done without a lot of support, which is why I also want to pay particular tribute to Kerr Neilson and the Neilson Foundation. For a decade, the foundation has been a steadfast supporter of Chain Reaction and Learning Ground, pouring in so much financial support and backing. Kerr chose to invest in young people who are often overlooked.
He came to Australia as an immigrant, built an extraordinary life and career, and exemplified the best traditions of giving back to the country that provided him opportunity. His commitment reflects a belief that success carries with it a responsibility to help others succeed as well. For that generosity, foresight and commitment to the next generation, I thank Kerr and the Neilson Foundation.
Together with Chain Reaction and Learning Ground, they're ensuring that more young Australians remain connected to education, opportunity and, importantly, hope.