STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator WALSH (Victoria—Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth) (13:50): Today I'm so pleased to read you a speech from Samia, an amazing young Victorian woman, as part of the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign. Here is what Samia had to say: 'Hi, my name is Samia. I'm 16 years old.

I was born in Egypt and moved to Australia when I was five. I've grown up here. My friends are here, my school is here, my future is here and I'm an Australian citizen.

I'm also Muslim. I'm proud of my Egyptian background, my religion and my family. But sometimes, even after living here for most of my life, I still feel like I have to prove that I belong.

When politicians and public figures make comments that target migrants, Muslims or multiculturalism, those words don't just disappear when the speech ends; they reach people like me. They make us wonder: Do I really belong here? Am I Australian enough?

And I don't think any 16-year-old should ever have to think that. This issue isn't just about me. Australia is home to the world's oldest continuing cultures, belonging to First Nations peoples and to millions of people whose families have come here from around the world.

That's why I want parliament to strengthen Australia's protections against racism and Islamophobia and create clearer ways for young people to report and receive support when they experience it. I want an Australia where belonging isn't something you have to earn because of your religion, your skin colour, your culture or your parents' birthplace. I shouldn't have to choose between being Egyptian, Muslim and Australian.

I am all three.' Thank you, Samia, for sharing your speech.