Mr PALLAS (Treasurer) — I rise to inform the house of my second interschool student debate, which was held at Wyndham Central College on 1 September. Wyndham Central College students were joined by others from Werribee Secondary College to participate in the role‑play led by Parliament of Victoria staff in the simulated debate, and I want to thank those staff involved in the process. We all know that democracy is at its best when people are empowered to actively participate and when the Parliament is made accessible to the people. Democracy was well and truly in action at this year’s interschool debate. Nabeel Mohammed, a student from Werribee Secondary College, was credited with playing my part and provided some stiff competition.

I started this interschool debate to give students a sense of the work we do here in Parliament. It is about making clear to them that this Parliament is their Parliament. I thank Wyndham Central College for hosting the debate, with particular mention to Mark O’Callaghan and principal Leanne Gagatsis for helping to coordinate this event. Werribee boasts some fantastic young people with vision, drive and dedication. I look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.