Some local students recently had the honour of hearing their carefully curated speeches read out by politicians as part of this years’ Raise Our Voice Australia Campaign.
“Politicians speak on behalf of us, this time their speaking directly for us,” said a Raise Our Voice spokesperson.
Dedicated to giving young people under the age of 21 a voice in Parliament, the program invites participants to answer the question: What should Australia’s new parliament accomplish?
A speech written by Year 6 student Georgia Granich from Queens Beach State School in Bowen was selected by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and read in parliament on November 21.
Georgia asked for our regional highways to be improved and ideally expanded to two lanes so that they are safer to overtake slower vehicles like caravans.
“It’s just like an overtaking lane right up the highway,” read her speech.
“I think this issue is important and needs to be addressed urgently.”
Mr Willcox thanked Georgia for her outstanding contribution.
“I am truly inspired and encouraged by our next generation of leaders,” he said.
“I was proud to be able to deliver Georgia’s speech about road safety - with strong advocates like this, we have a lot to be hopeful for when it comes to our future.”
Year six student from Cannonvale State School, Abby Maher, had her speech read out by Queensland Senator Larissa Waters.
Abby chose the subject of affordable housing.
“In the Whitsundays it is estimated that children make up almost half of the area’s homeless community,” read her speech.
“This issue really concerns me, and we need to find a solution.”
Abby offered ideas such as building cheaper houses that more people can afford, temporary housing for getting people off the streets and a government housing plan for cheaper housing.
She said that it was a great honour to see her speech selected.
“Homelessness is a big problem, not only here but right across Australia,” said Abby.
“I feel happy that my speech was chosen, and that the government are trying to do something about it.”
Abby’s mum, Lisa, said they were very proud.
“She was very passionate about this,” explained Lisa.
“She spent time at home working on it and it’s something very important to her.”
Over 80 politicians read speeches as part of Youth Voice in Parliament Week which took place from November 21 to 24.
Abby Maher, year six student at Cannonvale State School, had her speech about affordable housing read out in parliament
Senator Larissa Waters picked Abby’s speech to read aloud
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