Address to the Federation Chamber, Statements by Members

Monday 27 October 2025

I'm pleased to be able to bring the words of a young constituent to the attention of the House. Sofea is 12 years old, and, through the Raise Our Voice initiative, submitted this excellent speech on a critical issue. Here is Sofea's speech:

To build a better tomorrow for young Australians, the government must take urgent and meaningful action to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans.

Each year, vast amounts of plastic enter the sea, causing severe harm to marine life such as turtles, dolphins and seabirds. This is not simply an environmental concern, it is a growing crisis that threatens biodiversity, food security, and the health of our planet.

My name is Sofea. I am 12 years old, and I'm a student at Charles Weston School Coombs. I'm passionate about protecting ocean environments and speaking up for the animals who cannot speak for themselves.

I respectfully urge the government to implement a ban on single-use plastics, support innovation in sustainable packaging, and improve public access to recycling. Education is also vital, young Australians should be taught the importance of ocean conservation and the long-term impact of plastic waste. The ocean sustains life on Earth. It provides oxygen, regulates our climate, and supports countless species.

The action we take today will shape the kind of Australia we grow up in.

I believe we all deserve a cleaner, safer, and more responsible future, especially … the sea creatures who depend on us.