The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (22:23): Last month I had the great privilege of meeting four extraordinary young leaders from the Y's Youth Parliament 2025 program. They were among the more than 90 students from years 10 to 12 representing communities right across New South Wales. Those young people came to Parliament to grow their leadership skills, to deepen their understanding of democracy and, most importantly, to use their voices. In fact, one of the students participated in work experience in my office earlier this month.

The four of the m came to see me to present their bill, the Youth Futures (Rehabilitation and Proceedings) Youth Bill 2025. I listened carefully as they explained the three key reforms they had worked on as a committee, debated with their peers and, ultimately, passed during the Youth Parliament sitting week. Their bill proposes targeted reforms to improve outcomes in the youth justice system. It calls for the establishment of a children's drug court, recommends easing bail laws where appropriate and proposes a new, specialised rehabilitation program for young people involved with illicit substances.

The proposals were informed by lived experience, by community conversations and by serious research. One of the young leaders, serving as Youth Attorney General, spoke passionately about the injustices faced by many of their peers, especially Indigenous youth and those from disadvantaged areas. Another reflected on how those who come into contact with the justice system are often unsupported and unheard. Their message was clear: We need to do better. They were not looking for punishment; they were calling for change, for support, and for a justice system that rehabilitates, educates and heals. I say to those young people that I heard them. Their ideas are thoughtful. Their vision is bold. Their advocacy is exactly what our democracy needs. I seek leave to table the Youth Futures (Rehabilitation and Proceedings) Youth Bill 2025.

Leave granted.

Document tabled.

The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD: I table the bill not just as a gesture but because the proposals deserve serious attention. Too often we talk about young people, but those leaders remind us to speak with them. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are shaping the debates of today. If the Youth Parliament is any indication, our future is in good hands.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Emma Hurst): The question is that this House do now adjourn.

Motion agreed to.

The House adjourned at 22:26 until Tuesday 25 November 2025 at 12:30.