"On the 21st of May, Australians voted for change. Changing our childcare and aged care system to be more friendly to kids, residents and families. Changing our constitution to recognize the people that have inhabited our wide brown land for 60,000 years, and changing our head of state to be elected by the people, for the people and be of the people." Malcolm from Bean

Address to the House of Representatives, Statement by Members - Youth Voice in Parliament Week

Tuesday 22 November 2022

I rise to let the voice of one of my younger constituents be heard: Malcolm—not that Malcolm! He says:

"My name is Malcolm. I am 14, and I live in the Bean electorate. I go to a local high school, where I am in year 8.

Australia is the best country in the world, and we can make it miles ahead of the rest, if the parliament just put their head down and made some changes.

On the 21st of May, Australians voted for change. Changing our childcare and aged care system to be more friendly to kids, residents and families. Changing our constitution to recognize the people that have inhabited our wide brown land for 60,000 years, and changing our head of state to be elected by the people, for the people and be of the people.

My ideal Australia is one where people are valued by their government.

Valued with high speed rail to connect our eastern centres.

Valued with government services that are valued themselves, not cut constantly.

Valued with highly skilled jobs, for fair wages.

Valued with a measured, but effective policy on our climate.

Valued with progressive, but pragmatic social policies, so Australians can live to their full potential.

Valued with a government that works as hard as they do, so Australia can be a shining beacon of opportunity."

Malcolm, we will not let you or the other constituents of Bean down.