STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator McKIM (Tasmania—Australian Greens Whip) (13:46): As part of this year's Raise our Voice in Parliament campaign, here's a speech written by Adelaide, who is 10 years old and lives in Tasmania: Hi, I'm Adelaide. The problem that's affecting my future is gambling. There are lots of different types of gambling but the one that affects my future most is online sports gambling.

This is because sports gambling is so easy to access with just a few clicks on the phone or computer. People with gambling addictions are losing the money they would otherwise spend on food, housing, jobs, insurance and sometimes they can't afford transport to school or to pay for their kids after school activities. They are affecting their family, friends, and their social lives.

They're losing their lives! Gambling losses need to stop. Australians lose most of their money from gambling. 70% of Australians take part in some form of gambling each year.

Gambling addictions have got in the way of what could be a long, wonderful life. You need to make this change happen, and limit the exposure of gambling to children. Adelaide, we here couldn't agree more with that very sensible and heartfelt call to this parliament.

Thanks to Adelaide and to all of the young people around Australia who submitted speeches this year to the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign.