Tuesday, 2 June 2026

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (16:23): Last week I hosted a primary school leaders forum here at Parliament House, bringing together students from across Kew to discuss the issues that matter to them. Students raised a broad range of topics, including community safety, homelessness, social media, sustainability, mental health, cost-of-living pressures, road safety and local infrastructure. Of particular interest was the issue of Victoria’s debt, raised by Andy from Our Holy Redeemer Primary School. Drawing on his own experience running a lawn-mowing business, Andy spoke about the importance of staying within a budget, highlighting the need for governments to carefully manage public finances.

I was also pleased to host students from local secondary schools at the senior school leaders forum. Students raised a wide range of issues, including housing affordability, cost-of-living pressures and community safety, including in their own streets and their own homes. Mental health and wellbeing featured prominently, with students highlighting the importance of support services and wellbeing programs and speaking passionately about the fact that many of them are leading programs within their own schools. We also discussed the impact of AI on education and civic education for young voters and school funding. Other themes included crime and community safety and planning for future population growth. I thank all the students who participated from the many schools across the Kew electorate. It was a genuine pleasure to welcome them to this place.