CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms JORDAN-BAIRD (Gorton) (17:02): As part of the Raise Our Voice campaign, it's a privilege to deliver this speech written by Maryam, a young person living in my electorate of Gorton in Melbourne's west: One major issue that influences my future is ensuring young people from immigrant backgrounds have equal chances to succeed in Australia. I moved to Australia five years ago.
Like many immigrant families, I had to adjust to a new language, culture, and lifestyle. Although Australia has offered me many opportunities, I realize that not every young person finds the transition easy. Many students from immigrant backgrounds face challenges like language barriers, financial struggles, and a sense of not fully belonging.
These obstacles can impact their education, confidence, and future options. I want Parliament to invest more in programs that support migrant and refugee students. This includes improving English language support, mentoring programs, and resources that help young people feel connected to their schools and communities.
Australia is built on diversity. When young people from all backgrounds receive support, they can share their skills, ideas, and experiences to strengthen our country. As a 16-year-old who has lived in Australia for five years, I believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they were born.
Thank you. Our community in Melbourne's west is growing, and fast. If you're on the roads like I am, you'll know that growth brings more cars and pressure on local infrastructure, which needs to keep pace with growth.
Every day, more than 86,000 people rely on the Western Freeway to get to and from work, and Westies have a right to expect their commutes to be safe and reliable. It's why I'm so excited that our Labor government will be upgrading the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs. Last year, the Albanese Labor government committed $1 billion to this project, and now the Victorian Carroll Labor government is investing a further $550 million to make our roads safer and reduce congestion.
Our recent budget draws down on $50 million to get preconstruction works underway on this much-needed upgrade. We are delivering around 30 kilometres of new lanes along the freeway. It will mean three lanes in each direction between Ferris Road and Hopkins Road and four lanes in each direction between Hopkins Road and Ballarat Road.
Key interchanges at Ferris Road, Leakes Road and Hopkins Road will also be upgraded. We are listening and acting. Temporary traffic lights will also be installed at the Leakes Road interchange, with work expected to be completed by early next year.
There will also be a new half interchange at Mount Cottrell Road, giving local communities better freeway access. This is about making life easier and safer for families across Melbourne's growing west—safer trips, less time on the roads and more time at home with your families.