13th May, 2025.
In April, Picton High School and Bowral High School students visited the Parliament of NSW for the Secondary Student Leadership Program, learning about democracy and leadership. They engaged with Members and Ministers before Question Time, receiving valuable advice on leadership. I was impressed with their attentiveness and interest, as we discussed topics including the role of independents in parliament, the importance of showing empathy, kindness, and compassion, and respect for others. Bowral High School and Picton High school are the two public high schools in my electorate, which are to be joined at last by a third at Wilton. This new high school is set to open its doors to students in 2027. Leadership is about making life better for others and using your voice to create change, and I was pleased to welcome the leaders of tomorrow from Bowral and Picton High Schools to the first and oldest Parliament in Australia for this opportunity. I also thank the principals and teachers of the schools for facilitating the students participation in the leadership program.