CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr NG (Menzies) (10:18): This week we have welcomed in members of the National Youth parliament, and we have also recently been sharing the My First Speech competition with local years 10 to 12 in my electorate. However, one very special member of my community wrote to me with frustration that, as a year 5 student, he wasn't eligible for this speech competition.
As a result, I'd like to take the opportunity to share with you a speech from Tristan Ong—no relation—a wonderful young leader in my electorate who aspires to be a lawyer and one day a parliamentarian. He says: Dear Speaker, My name is Tristan Ong from Year 5 Doncaster Gardens Primary School. I rise today to speak on the importance of supporting our young athletes and strengthening community well-being through sports mindset development, and health investment.
Today, many young athletes face increasing pressure from school, sports and everyday life. Around 39% of young Australians experience a mental health problem each year, and one in three face stress during injuries, competitions and tryouts. Our local MP Gabriel NG— Thanks for the shout-out, Tristan— also visited young athletes in local sporting clubs, encouraging them to work hard and believe in themselves.
These interactions result in lasting effect on a young person's confidence and well-being. Government investment has reinforced the value of community sport, with $3.5 million allocated to rebuilding Bulleen Boomers stadium and a significant commitment funding to Nunawading Indoor Sports Centre. While these projects are important, facilities alone are not enough.
We must also invest in the well-being of the young people who use them, ensuring they have the support and guidance needed to reach their full potential. Recently, the Bulleen Boomers Basketball Club hosted an RUOK? Day event encouraging players, families and the community to check in on one another and raise awareness on mental health in sport.
From my own experience, I recently sustained an injury during a game. I had to visit the GP, then go for an ultrasound, and some of the costs had to be paid out of pocket. My recovery will also need follow-ups with a physiotherapist.
Honestly, it was a bit stressful physically and emotionally, as I worry about missing training, games and being left behind. That is why I believe a strengthening and positive mindset program, in addition to medical and recovery support, will really help young athletes like me. By creating a clear pathway to services and ongoing care, we'll help young athletes stay healthy, active and motivated while reducing future mental health challenges, chronic disease, and social issues.
If we can coordinate care for chronic physical conditions, then we can, and must, do the same for young athletes' mental and physical well-being. Prevention is always more powerful than a crisis response. I'll provide further details on how this plan could be implemented, should it receive support through the funding process.
When we invest in young athletes today, we invest in healthy individuals, stronger communities and a brighter future for Australia. Thank you, Tristan, for your fantastic speech and keep dreaming big. The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Lawrence ): Well done, Tristan, and I give the call to the member for Groom.