Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Ministers statements: young Victorians

Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (14:41): I rise today to update the house on how the Allan Labor government is investing in young Victorians. We know when we listen to young people from multicultural backgrounds, we get the best results and our state is better for it. Our young people are diverse, multifaith and multicultural and are proud Victorians. We are supporting young Victorians and their families, including our Centre for Multicultural Youth Seat at the Table program – and a big shout-out to Carmel Guerra, who leads this work – providing young multicultural women with the opportunity to build skills, capacity and confidence.

We know when given the opportunity, young people shine. Whether it is a seat at the table of a Victorian government board or contributing their voice in shaping policies for Victoria, our government is doing more, including investing in community support programs, providing services for youth across Melbourne’s west and south-east from diverse communities and, most importantly, giving young people the opportunity to lead and drive solutions to their local issues. Victoria’s young people are compassionate, engaged and responsible. They take care of one another and have a strong sense of who they are. As sons and daughters of migrant parents who made the journey for a better life in this country and state, I am so inspired to see young people reaching their full potential, standing on the foundations laid by their parents and their families. Our state’s future leaders, that is what they are, and the Allan Labor government is backing them every step of the way.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, one of the members in this place has just posted a selfie on X, formerly known as Twitter, of the protest recently. I am sure that I share the views of all members in this place that they are concerned about that photo being posted and that a member has both taken it and then effectively advertised that protest.

The SPEAKER: Order! The matter will be looked into. We have a Privileges Committee to look into these matters.