Ella GEORGE (Lara) (10:39): Last week I visited the year 4 students at St Anthony’s primary school in Lara. They are an amazing group of intelligent and motivated students. This term they have been learning about government, and they kindly invited me along to their class to talk about my role as their local MP. They have been learning about how democracy works in everyday life, the role of government and why communities have rules and laws. When I got there, it was clear how hard they have been working and how much they have already learned. I quizzed them on which level of government is responsible for a range of community services, and they got all of the answers correct. We had a great conversation about all kinds of local issues facing the Lara community, and the students had some very thoughtful questions for me. The year 4s had some great ideas about new laws to improve our community, including laws for e-bikes and e-scooters, to improve road safety and to ban graffiti. I was very impressed that all of their ideas were focused on improving community safety and making sure that young people are safe. They had some great ideas about what we can do in Lara to make it an even better place to live. These included more bike pump tracks, a basketball stadium for the Lara Giants, a movie theatre, an indoor rollerskating rink and more schools. One of my favourite things to do as a local MP is to visit local schools and meet students. I am always left feeling energised and encouraged that we are in the very best of hands with the next generation of young Victorians, and the students at St Anthony’s are a remarkable group of young Victorians. Thanks to the whole class for welcoming me so warmly and for the thought-provoking conversation we had.