CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Ms JARRETT (Brisbane) (10:21): I am passionate about empowering young people to reach their full potential and be the very best versions of themselves. They will write the next chapter of Australia's story, which is why it was a pleasure to visit two outstanding organisations in Brisbane last week that are helping young people thrive. Firstly, I visited yourtown to learn more about its work, including the operation of the Kids Helpline.

For more than 60 years, yourtown has supported young Australians across mental health, education, employment, homelessness, parenting, child protection and domestic and family violence. Their approach is not simply about responding when things go wrong; it's about providing young people with the opportunities, the skills, the safety and the support they need to build their futures.

They do this through education and employment pathways. They support young parents. They provide family accommodation, mental health services and social enterprises that actually provide real workplace experiences.

At the heart of their work is a simple but powerful principle: every young person deserves a place where they feel safe, respected, valued and free from judgement. The Kids Helpline, powered by yourtown, is Australia's only free, confidential 24/7 counselling service, and it's dedicated to young people between the ages of five and 25. Since commencing in 1991, it has responded to nine million contacts.

Importantly, young people don't need to be in a crisis to go there; they can speak with qualified counsellors about family, friendship, school, identity, stress—things that are challenging them at a particular point in time. Sometimes, as we all know, the most important step is not in solving a problem immediately but in ensuring somebody is there to listen. I thank the team at the Milton office for welcoming me and for the remarkable work that they do every day.

Another fantastic organisation making a difference is the Push, Australia's youth music charity. For around 40 years, the Push has helped young Australians find their place in music through all-ages events, workshops, mentoring, studio access and industry training. It recognises that music is more than entertainment; music can connect people who might otherwise have nothing in common.

It can foster confidence, friendship, belonging and identity, providing that powerful feeling that 'these are my people'. Last week, I attended the Music Careers Expo at the Triffid, where I met many talented young Brisbane creators from our local schools, including aspiring songwriters, performers, producers and stage crew. They were learning from industry professionals as they considered their next steps to stardom.

I'd like to thank Kate and the team at the Push for the invitation and for their commitment to creating opportunities for young people. Young people are our future, and, to use the words of Winnie-the-Pooh, programs like these will help them see they are braver than they believe, stronger than they seem and smarter than they think.