Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Minister for Housing and Building, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (09:57): I rise today to pay tribute to Kaiden Morgan-Johnston, a young man who lost his life on the cusp of his prime in Morwell. Kaiden died in the most tragic of circumstances. Along with his best friend Tyrese Walsh, Kaiden experienced violence and ultimately lost his life. I cannot imagine the grief and the pain and the anguish and the distress being felt by Kaiden’s family, his friends and those who loved him and looked up to him, including the thousands of people who were so privileged to see the Boorun Boys dance throughout Gippsland and further afield. Kaiden was a leader. He inspired through his actions and connection to country, to culture, to songlines and to pride. Through engagement, whether with The Goanna Dance or with connecting with other young men, Kaiden inspired so many to reach for opportunities and for goals and to success being achieved in any way that a young Indigenous man might want. My thoughts are with his family. We grieve together. There is so much work to be done from here.