STATE Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland visited Broadford Secondary College last week to speak to a group of students involved in the schools politics club.
The speech was held during last Tuesday’s lunchtime for the Broadford students, and it was a great opportunity to hear and quiz a member of a politcal party.
Her speech gave students a chance to better understand what happens on a day-to-day basis in the life of politics, what people were concerned about, how to get into politics and she gave them a chance to raise an issue about regional Victoria with her.
Ms Cleeland wanted to hear about what students were concerned about within the community and she got a range of answers.
One student raised the traffic situation in Wallan, saying it was far too dangerous to continue the way it is, especially as a learner driver.
Another student raised the issue of overpopulation at the Broadford Secondary College which they believe is a result of the absence of a public high school in Kilmore.
Others included traffic and getting to school issues linked with making public transport free for students in the area who are forced to get public transport to school because there’s no other option.
Ms Cleeland highlighted the importance of knowing who the local politicians are and who you’re voting for.
“If you’re not engaged in politics, you might not be aware of several involvements which could change or affect your life,” she said.
A student asked Ms Cleeland – What is the hardest part of being a politician?
“The weight of the job can be really hard to deal with, especially with the limited time given to raise the issues you select on behalf of 60,000 adults,” she said.
Her time wrapped up with some bright ideas to potentially help pitch in parliament.
“These students understand that the decisions made in Melbourne directly shape their future, whether that is education opportunities, transport access, road safety or the ability for their communities to grow and thrive,” she said.
“They should be incredibly proud of the way they represented their community and advocated for the future they want to see.”
By Cooper O’Brien
