STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (16:10): This year, students in the Hunter took part in the Raise Our Voice campaign. Today I'm sharing a speech from Hannah: The reality is stark: Australia is facing a significant cost-of-living issue. Many Australians are finding it difficult to make ends meet.

Families are cutting back on essentials, skipping meals and doing whatever it takes to survive. In a land that prides itself on being 'one and free', we shouldn't have to resort to this. Changing this would benefit Australians nationwide.

There are various measures we can put in place to ease the pressure on everyday Australians. We have the power to change this. By strengthening and expanding universal healthcare, closing the gender pay gap and reducing the tax burden on ordinary Australians, we can put more money back into the pockets of the people who need it most.

I urge parliament and politicians to take action before it's too late. If this continues, we won't be supporting the younger generation of this country. No Australian deserves to be forced to live pay cheque to pay cheque just to survive.

Thank you, Hannah. Young people deserve to be heard, and your message about the pressures facing Australian families is clear. Your generation has an important voice in our parliament.

These are real concerns for families right across the Hunter, and they deserve our attention and our action as well. Thank you, Hannah. Keep speaking up and keep being yourself.

Cheers.