DISTINGUISHED VISITORS

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Prime Minister) (14:06): on indulgence—It was my great pleasure to address the National Youth Parliament members just a short time ago up in the Mural Hall. And it was a great pleasure. There are people from all 150 electorates represented here.

I do want to say as well that this is an opportunity for you to contribute ideas. Your future is longer than that of most of us on this floor will be, so you have a very real interest in what happens in this country and in shaping change. The young men and women with whom I was able to have exchanges showed why you are here.

It is because you are people of ideas and you are people who are committed to Australia's future. Mr Speaker, I do also want to say congratulations to you. This is your initiative as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

It's an example of the way in which you are using the high position that you hold to promote democracy. It is to your great credit that you have achieved this, and to that of all the members and senators from across both sides of the chamber who were there as well, talking and engaging with their young people. That was really good to see.

I'd encourage the members of the Youth Parliament who haven't made contact and engaged personally with their local members of parliament who are here to please do so. Lastly, have fun while you're here in Canberra.