ORBOST STUDENTS DISCUSS POLITICAL ISSUES
September 7, 2010
Senior students from Orbost Secondary College raised their concerns about a range of local issues, during last week’s visit from The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester was guest speaker at the school assembly before talking to senior students about the recent Federal election and current issues affecting young people in East Gippsland.
During his address, Mr Chester challenged students to aim high and aspire to achieve their best in their chosen pursuits.
“Never sell yourself short, just because you come from a small country town,” Mr Chester said.
“Out of respect for yourself, and respect for your teachers, parents and friends – you should be working hard to set your course for the future.
“The last thing you want to happen is to finish this year at school and think to yourself, ‘I coulda done better’, ‘I shoulda worked harder’ or ‘I woulda done something differently’. With everything you do in life, it’s important to give it your best shot and your hard work will be rewarded.”
When he met with the senior class members, Mr Chester answered questions on the hung Parliament and ways for young people to be more involved in community issues.
“We need young people to understand how they fit into the future of East Gippsland and the opportunities in the region to undertake further training or study,” Mr Chester said.
“While it’s important to encourage students to increase their aspirations, it’s critical that governments help to reduce the economic barriers to further study.
“That’s why I’ve been working to improve the system of student income support to make sure that young people in East Gippsland have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
“We’ve got a long way to go before there is a fair and equitable system of Youth Allowance to put all students on a level playing field when it comes to accessing further education and training opportunities.”
