Thursday, 15 May 2025

 Martha HAYLETT (Ripon) (10:03): Over the past year I have been meeting with 11 extraordinary young people from across Ripon. From Ararat to St Arnaud and Bung Bong to Miners Rest, they have formed the first ever Ripon youth council. Aylah, Valerie, Jacinta, Angelica, Elizabeth, Ben, Alex, Rosie, Lily, Ashley and Dusty Raiyn have written me this speech:

Speaker, the Ripon Youth Council wants decision-makers to know what the education system is like for kids today in rural Victoria.

Every day we see the impact of the teacher shortage.

Many of us must take online classes and incur extra fees, making us feel isolated and unsupported.

Our schools rely on substitute teachers, wasting valuable class time when we should be learning the curriculum.

We see brand-new teachers struggling and experienced teachers who feel like they can’t retire.

These shortages mean we don’t get to enjoy the full extent of our education.

Leonardo da Vinci said, “study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing it takes in.”

If we had more passionate, skilled, and supported teachers, they would teach us the things we need to know.

We want to leave school being equipped for life.

To feel capable getting a job, doing our taxes, being financially literate, and having healthy, consenting relationships.

And we want guidance on transitioning to uni, TAFE and the workforce.

And how to move out of home and support ourselves to live the lives we desire.