Thursday, 31 October 2019

 Mr TAYLOR (Bayswater) (09:46): Very recently I was very lucky to have hosted Bayswater’s inaugural youth forum with the honourable Minister for Youth. It was a fantastic forum held in my electorate at Boronia K–12 College, obviously in the heart of Boronia. I thank the principal, Meagan Cook, and the entire school community for hosting what was a really fantastic discussion with young people. Often we know that young people, because they are not 18 and obviously not allowed to vote and be part of the electoral process, often feel—and rightfully so—that they are left out of political discussion and discussion around issues that are not just youth based but issues that affect all of us. Can I please thank Fairhills High School, Bayswater Secondary College, Heathmont College, Wantirna College and Boronia K–12 for really being part of what was a fantastic youth forum. It is one that I hope to host next year and perhaps further expand into a youth committee to continue to make sure we engage young people right across the spectrum, whether it is in Bayswater or in the outer eastern suburbs.

We talked about some really important issues and what the single most important issue facing youth today is. We spoke about mental health—obviously a significant issue not just for young people but for people right across the age spectrum. Public transport is a key thing for people in my community. We spoke about how governments can legislate to mitigate the effects of climate change. We also discussed how we can further empower women in the 21st century and we can better support young people with mental health concerns was a strong focus of the day, as well as how education could best support future job opportunities. It was a really fantastic forum, and I commend all students for taking part in it.