CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms TEMPLEMAN (Macquarie) (16:55): I'm proud to read part of a Raise Our Voice speech that belongs to Abby, age 17, from the electorate of Macquarie: When I was younger, I imagined a future filled with flying cars that would self-drive, jetpacks that would take kids to school, regular holidays to the moon and civilisations beneath the sea. I thought that we would see a society that was constantly moving forwards; however, this is not the case when I think of the future now.
Instead, I think of questions that I believe I shouldn't have to think about just yet. Will I ever be able to afford a home? Will I be able to buy food without checking the price?
Will I be able to earn the income required by the ever-evolving status of our society to support not only myself, but one day a family? The cost of living crisis in Australia is something that is not only relevant for the adults of today but is also shaping the fears for the adults of tomorrow. At 17 years old, I don't think I should be afraid of growing up, nevertheless, I am.
I am afraid that, instead of wondering what remarkable innovations my generation may make that could create a profound change in our society, I am left wondering whether I will be able to afford to live comfortably in Australia's future. I strongly believe that with extensive consideration, action, and compassion, parliament has a significant ability to change what the future of my generation, and the ones after, see when they think of the future of Australia.
The reduction of energy costs, the increased affordability of houses, and financial support will help the Australians of today and tomorrow achieve the dream of living a comfortable life. And while I know ideas and actions such as these are in effect, they have yet to seek the desirable target in which change is made. Thank you, Abby, for articulating the need for change so that young people can feel confident about the future.
Like Abby, I don't think we can tick the box yet and say 'job done'. There is more to do, and it will take more time for our reforms to make the change on the scale that's needed. But there are good signs of hope.
Our five per cent home deposit program has already seen 1,525 people able to buy their first home in Macquarie. There are now more than 5,700 solar batteries in homes and small businesses in Macquarie. The gender pay gap is the lowest it's ever been.
And tax cuts are continuing to flow through as we make the tax system fairer. Abby, you have set us some clear and important goals, and we'll keep working hard to deliver the future that our young people deserve. Thank you for taking part in the Raise Our Voice speech competition.
To all the entrants: we appreciate that you're thinking not just about your lives but about the future of Australia.