ADJOURNMENT

Ms BELYEA (Dunkley) (16:34): It's well-known I am passionate about young people by providing them with a platform. That is why I signed up to the Raise Our Voices campaign and encourage local young constituents to submit a speech about an issue they care deeply about. This year I chose to read the speech by Anastasia, from Carrum Downs, about what our children are hearing on the radio and the effects this can have on their perception of healthy relationships and their mental health.

Anastasia, who is watching and listening from home, says: My name is Anastasia I am 17 years old and part of the Dunkley electorate. The issue I face is the decline in community standards and the decreasing morality of teenagers that results in teen crime, teen pregnancy and an overwhelming lack of respect for others. The Australian government with community support passed new media legislation in 2025, then porn legislation in 2026 due to their studies identifying detrimental effects on Australian youth.

The legislation amends and restricts access for children under 16 years of age on social media due to community alarm over the internet and information that could be harmful. This age restriction went from snapchat, Facebook, Instagram to porn sites, only fans and other websites. The legislation was in response to community outrage, initially over media bullying and teen suicides.

The government received multiple submissions from the eSafety Commissioners research. Some effects these submissions included are; poor mental health, sexism and sexual aggression and violence, sexual coercion and abuse by boys, child-on-child and peer-on-peer sexual abuse and shaping of sexual behaviours. So, I put to you: why does this ban not extend to radio stations, music, music videos, free to air TV and other media? 9/10 songs on the internet speak about love, sex, violence between partners, drugs and disrespectful behaviour.

I propose that the government review music and artists and the content that has slipped under the radar of the government's media legislation and harm minimisation plan. The only "safe" radio station in Melbourne is 89.9 Light FM who are a non-government funded organisation. Light FM guarantee no harmful material and are a G-rated, no swear words, no sexual innuendos or smut talk by their presenters or in the music played.

In comparison kiss FM were known for racy talk, sexual innuendos and derogatory banter between their presenters. The government is prepared to ban harmful visual media and restrict access but not yet address and prepare to ban the same content found through artists and music, to safeguard developing minds and the morality of our nation? Children put on songs and they are pure verbal porn.

Why block visual porn if you still let children subject themselves to audio porn? Doesn't audio porn just have the same affects? Children and teenagers can access this through every music app and even karaoke sites.

Is this not what the government was trying to protect our youth from? There are many examples of songs all over the internet with hidden meanings, it is not appropriate to read these examples due to parliament standards yet it is heard playing in shopping centres and radio stations to all ages, yet censored for you right now. Thanks, Anastasia, for your insights and suggestions.

The points you have raised are very astute. Anastasia, as you know, the federal government is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of children and young people. We need to ensure that the standards in the Australian Broadcasting Industry Codes of Practice are implemented.

I highly recommend that you submit a petition on this particular issue to the federal government's petitions website. We will continue to listen to the community and young people such as yourself and make changes to ensure the care and protection of the community.