CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms LANDRY (Capricornia—Chief Nationals Whip) (10:34): Today I have the privilege of sharing the words of 17-year-old Zoe from my electorate of Capricornia whose contribution was selected as a winning entry in the Raise Our Voice competition. This initiative gives young Australians the opportunity to have their voices heard in federal parliament and speak about issues that matter to their generation.
It reminds us that young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; their ideas and perspectives will shape the future. Raise Our Voice encourages young Australians to engage with democracy and recognise that they can help shape our nation's future. Zoe has chosen to address an issue of national importance, domestic and family violence.
I'd now like to share her speech with the House: On Wednesday, 8th July 2026, police braced themselves for a 40% increase in domestic violence in a single night. The classic feud between the Blues and Maroons, the State of Origin. Whilst millions of fans watched, hoping for a win, women and children watched hoping for something entirely different.
They hoped to feel safe in their own homes. My name is Zoe, and I am 17 years old. Every day, I am grateful to live in a home where I am loved and supported by my family.
Nevertheless, not all girls like me are so fortunate. Sports-related domestic violence is a serious issue in Australia, creating devastating outcomes for thousands nationwide. The issue shaping my future isn't sport, it's how gender-based violence continues to shape our futures.
Australia cannot achieve true equality while violence remains widespread. Sport has enormous cultural influence, Parliament should use that influence to deliver respectful relationships education, healthy masculinity programs, specialist partnerships and consistent nationwide data collection. By embedding prevention into Australia's greatest cultural institution, we can work together to prevent violence before it begins.
The future of Australia will be measured not by how well we respond to violence, but by how effectively we prevent it. Zoe's words demonstrate why listening to young Australians is important. At just 17, she has shown the courage to tackle a difficult issue and put forward thoughtful ideas about building a safer Australia.
Initiatives like Raise Our Voice encourage young people to think critically, participate in public debate and recognise their ability to influence change. Zoe joins young winners from electorates across Australia, each bringing their own perspectives and ideas to the federal parliament through the Raise Our Voice competition. I congratulate Zoe on her winning entry and thank the organisers of Raise Our Voice for giving young Australians this platform.
I hope her achievement inspires young people across Capricornia to become involved in politics and make their voices heard. After all, the future of our nation belongs to them, and their voices deserve a place in shaping it.