Speech welcoming students to the Together for Humanity National Youth Summit, Parliament House, Canberra
Welcome to Australia’s Parliament House, it is wonderful to join you here.
This important building represents the strength of our democracy and underpins the peace and stability of our nation.
As you all know, it is here that our elected representatives debate, map and resolve our path to the future.
But it is also your place.
Where you are always welcome – to observe, to learn, to participate and to teach.
Because you are the custodians of our future.
It really, really matters.
At the opening of Parliament House in 1988, then prime minister, Bob Hawke, said,
“this building will become for our nation both the forum for our differences and the instrument of our unity. A building for all Australians .. reflecting the diversity of our entire society and responding to the needs of the whole community”.i
Your gathering here today, as a National Youth Summit, fills the building with your voices on behalf of your communities, and your hopes for the future.
I guess since 1988, we have become a more diverse community, a more diverse country.
Celebrating our diversity and finding ways to foster inclusion and belonging is the purpose of your summit.ii
I know that you all understand that social and community cohesion is essential to our country and our democracy thriving.
But we all see that cohesion is now under pressure.
The Scanlon Foundation’s 2023 mapping of social cohesion shows a decline on some fronts.iii
A diminishing sense of national pride and belonging, increasing financial strain and a weakening sense of social inclusion and justice suggests that our social fabric is fraying.iv
It is a reality we cannot afford to ignore, and a trend we must work together to reverse.
Which is why the topics you are bringing forward today are so important.
I have read all of your presentation summaries, and feel very privileged to be spending time with you this morning.
Whether promoting diversity in multicultural schools and creating inclusive environments …
… to expanding awareness about gender inequality and growing belonging in a disconnected world …v
At their heart, your ideas seek to address the human need to feel a positive sense of belonging.
We all belong in this great country – without exception.
And we all have a responsibility to ensure that sense of belonging embraces everyone, including those who have been left behind, or feel left behind.
It is through the warmth of belonging that we thrive as individuals and our communities flourish.
Before I was sworn in as Governor-General, I got on the road and travelled across the country, listening to the unique experiences and insights of Australians.
I wanted to hear the voices of women, men and children, from all backgrounds and life experiences – talking about the country that they love.
They told me of their wishes for a brighter future for our country.
And their hope for unity and optimism in building that future together.
And it is the active participation of young Australians in framing that future that makes me so excited about the chapters unfolding in the years ahead.
Listening to Australia’s extraordinary secondary school students is important to me.
As a generation, you have faced dislocating challenges and rapid change.
What you have witnessed and experienced has shaped who you are.
And, despite the conflict and disruption, you have emerged as our teachers.
Showing us that real strength lies in kindness and care.
And that real progress is made with an active commitment to respect, inclusion and belonging.
I deeply value your energy, experiences and insights and I want to hear your voices.
You represent our modern, optimistic Australia, and you have so much to share.
I am delighted that your inaugural National Youth Summit will support you to share thoughtfully, listen carefully, and respond respectfully.
And give you the opportunity to be the change you want to see.vi
Congratulations to all at Together for Humanity for providing these wonderful young people a forum to voice their ideas.
As your founder, Rabbi Zalman Kastel, has said, when we seek to strengthen the fabric of our society,
“where better to start than in our schools with our future generations.”vii
Students, I hope the trust and connections you build here continue to inspire you long after you return to your classrooms, family and communities.
I will be excited to learn about the outcomes of your Summit and will ensure that your ideas and voices are heard by the people who represent us in this place.
We only need to look at the Olympic and Paralympics to see the impact of the boundless energy and excellence of our young athletes on the world stage to know how powerful you are.
Thank you.