Whether it’s at local schools, Chisholm TAFE, Monash University, knocking on doors or chatting at train stations, I regularly catch up with young adults in our community.
What I have learnt is that Young Australians growing up today face significant barriers to accessing housing and tertiary education, are more likely to experience mental health issues than generations before them and carry a level of uncertainty about their future.
The Albanese Labor Government is addressing these concerns with:
A 20% cut to student debts, benefitting nearly 21,000 Dunkley residents;
Free TAFE Courses and a $10,000 incentive for trades apprentices;
A ban on social media for children under 16;
A fairer tax system with reforms to negative gearing to free up more homes for first homebuyers;
A 5% Deposit Scheme for first homebuyers, which has helped over 1,800 Dunkley residents buy their first home; and
Investing in mental health, with $1.2m for headspace Frankston and free Medicare Mental Health Checks.
These are policies aimed at making a real difference in young adult’s lives. But there is always more work to be done.
Many young adults tell me the 24/7 news cycle, ongoing international conflicts, and the threat of climate change weighs heavily and constantly on their minds. The question so often on young peoples’ minds is:
“With the current state of the world, what difference can I make?”
What stands out to me, is that despite this feeling, there are many young people in Australia - especially in Dunkley - with the passion and potential to create lasting change and make a difference.
In my first speech to Parliament, I pledged to do more to engage young people in politics.
In 2026, my team and I delivered the inaugural Dunkley Emerging Leaders Program for young adults 18-25 in our community.
Supporting young people is something I care deeply about. Before I became the Federal Member for Dunkley, I was a youth worker and ran national leadership programs for disadvantaged young people and adults - including expeditions across the Kokoda Track. I’ve seen firsthand the impact these programs have on individuals and their lives.
The Dunkley Emerging Leader’s Program builds skills and supports participants to develop self-awareness, confidence and a strong sense of purpose. In a time when many young people feel uncertain or overwhelmed by the challenges facing them, this kind of support is more important than ever.
April 2026 marked an exciting milestone for the program, with participants taking part in a three-day intensive at Camp Manyung in Mount Eliza. Over the weekend, the group of emerging leaders immersed themselves in practical leadership and changemaking workshops, focussed on understanding their values, leadership styles, setting goals, problem solving skills and civics education.
I’ve been incredibly inspired by the calibre of the group and their commitment to creating positive change in the Dunkley community. These are the qualities we need in the next generation of leaders.
When young people are supported, challenged, and connected with others from all walks of life, they thrive. I feel very fortunate to continue this work in my role as a local MP, supporting the next generation of emerging leaders here in Dunkley.
For more information regarding the Dunkley Emerging Leaders Program, you can send me an email via [email protected] or call my office on 03 9781 2333.
