Excerpts

The following are excerpts from my answer to the 2018 United Nation’s Youth Representative to the UN’s question, “What does your ideal Australia look like?”.

“An Australian society that has the courage to challenge their opinions, values and ideologies regarding the issues facing us all. An Australian society that debates issues in a constructive and productive way. An Australian society that values pluralism and equal discussion in debate.

These ideals are fundamental to the change we wish to achieve, these ideals will be the driving force to unite us. 

People that stand up for change. That stand behind important causes. People that also know how to listen, and also to learn. People that are passionate and spread this throughout communities. People who are open to starting conversations on issues that must be discussed.

People that not only inspire, but let themselves be inspired. 

Watch these people. Listen to these people. Be this person. 

In practice, these ideals look like: when debating, instead of saying no, asking why. Instead of becoming dismissive, learning from opinions different to your own, to either challenge your opinions or to confirm your views further. Instead of disregarding, learn the logic and understand the thought process. Ask about how others feel about topics you’re passionate about, to become inclusive in how you source your opinions. 

An Australia that can have these conversations respectively, to listen to both sides of every issue and come to the most informed conclusion from weighing all opinions. 

To discuss and think about the past and present, and learn for the future. 

Be the one that encourages the change you wish to see.