Australia's youngest Senator Jordon Steele-John has made his first speech to Parliament.
The Western Australian Senator delivered his speech on Wednesday and spoke passionately about taking action on Indigenous disadvantage, climate change, tax avoidance and refugees.
The 23-year-old became a Senator earlier this year after taking the place of Scott Ludlam, who was disqualified over his dual citizenship.
“My generation is one that is alive with the desire to make change; cognizant of the fact that if we do not do so, the world in which we will live … will be so much bleaker for it,” Senator Steele-John said.
The Senator, who has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair, promised to make young Australians care about politics.
He asked his social media followers last week for messages and advice on what he should say in his inaugural speech.
“The Australian people are no longer satisfied with what they are getting from their politics,” he said.
“They will not cop politics, as usual, any longer.”
He said urgent action was needed on climate change and homelessness in his state.
“Homelessness is not natural, it is not right,” he said.
“I will not cease in my belief that every Australian has a right to go to sleep in a bed of their own.”
He also said many of his constituents wanted Australia to be more welcoming of refugees.
“We are a caring people. We are a nation built by those who come across the sea seeking a better life,” he said.
