STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr CONAGHAN (Cowper) (13:42): I'd like to welcome and congratulate Hunter Davis, our passionate youth member for Cowper, who is here in parliament this week as part of the National Youth Parliament program. A proud Port Macquarie local, Hunter is no stranger to regional representation, having been awarded the 2026 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Young Citizen of the Year award.

Hunter passionately volunteers across conservation, parish and major community events and was last year here in Canberra as an ABC Heywire competition winner. I'd like to read from part of his entry, where he says: Growing up it was always mum and me against the world. She worked two jobs, gave up her dreams, and still showed me unconditional love.

Mum grew up in housing commission. She never got the chance to go to university. But she made sure I had every opportunity she didn't.

Even when we were living out of a suitcase she kept me in a good school. She'd say, "I didn't get this, but you will." Well, mate, you have taken every opportunity that your dedicated mum has provided you with both hands. She must be so incredibly proud of the impressive young man you have become.

On behalf of our electorate, I'd like to say how proud the Cowper community is to have you. Thank you for representing our region's youth here in Canberra, and I look forward to your speech this afternoon.