STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Dr TRISH COOK (Bullwinkel) (13:40): I rise today, as part of the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign, to read a speech written by Sophie Mitchell from my electorate of Bullwinkel. It reads as follows: My name is Sophie Mitchell, I am a 17yo graduating student and soon-to-be new voter. I am writing to you as a member of the Bullwinkel electorate hoping to bring your attention to the importance of climate change to young people both in the Bullwinkel electorate and across Australia.

I would like to first applaud Labor on the recent 2035 target and all the government's efforts regarding climate action in recent years, but we still need further action. Climate change is rated among the top 10 most important issues for voters, and I can guarantee it is of great importance to me, my friends, and my generation. My big question for you and for all the Australian Parliament is—what kind of future will you build for us?

To continue Australia's transition to a sustainable and climate safe future, I urge those in power to consider the possibility of a price on carbon which proved to be the most effective and economically constructive way to cut emissions, so why not reintroduce it? I am asking for whatever is required for our carbon emissions to be decreased effectively and justly.

We need you, our representatives, to deliver the sustainable future that my generation needs and that Australia deserves. I hope you and your fellow electorates recognise the importance of this issue … and will do the right thing to protect our— ( T ime expired)