Mr J. BULL (Sunbury) — For the past two weeks I have had the pleasure of having Joel McDougall of Sunbury College do work experience in my office. He has done an outstanding job writing to constituents, answering the phone and dealing with the media, and in the last sitting week he came to Parliament. Last Friday he presented me with a report about the issues he believes affect young people in Sunbury. He presented fantastically well, and I undertook that I would raise these issues today.

Joel and his peers believe that good access to public transport is highly important, as often it is their only mode of independent transport. He reminded me that young people do not get public transport only to school but also on weekends to jobs, sport and other social commitments. He also highlighted the need to build the Metro rail project as it will give him and his peers more services and access to the university precinct in Parkville.

Joel and many of his peers hope to go to university, but if it is too expensive, it will be out of his reach. Joel believes the determining factor in gaining a university education should be your academic ability, and he certainly highlighted to me the importance of making sure that university is affordable. Joel is also concerned about the cost of housing. He is worried that he might not ever be able to move out of the family home. He highlighted the importance of school funding. He and his peers want modern and vibrant schools where they can reach their full potential.

Joel believes the national broadband network is essential in the 21st century to secure the jobs of the future. He reminded me that the original fibre-to-the-home plan is the right plan for him. I want to thank Joel for his outstanding work and for his contribution to my office. We loved having him.