I rise to mention a truly wonderful event that took place in the week beginning 1 July, the Make Poverty History Zero Seven Road Trip. It involved 500 of Australia’s most dynamic young people as ambassadors to spread the Make Poverty History message, and inspire those they met to take action to end extreme poverty. I am aware of at least two students in my electorate who were ambassadors for the event. They were Deakin University student Christina Spehr and St Joseph’s College student James Day.
The road trip involved six Make Poverty History concerts that provided regional communities, as well as capital cities, with a great opportunity to become involved in the campaign. I congratulate all those who were involved in the campaign, not only the ambassadors and organisers, but the people who participated in the concerts.
It is essential that people in Australia campaign to stop extreme poverty around the world so that future generations do not live in such a divided world community. I, along with Christina, James and many others, demand that the federal government has the courage and the moral leadership on this issue and does not fall prey, yet again, to only stepping up to the mark when embarrassed.