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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 11 Hansard (24 September) . . Page.. 3184 ..

MS DUNDAS (continuing):

It is worth noting that to be leaders these young women have to take opportunities that might not have arisen before. For many, that opportunity comes through participation. So their goal is still to change the world and to get more women into leadership roles. These young women are active in their everyday lives. We spoke at the camp about "girl power", and it is interesting to see how much our idols, ideals and values can change in less than a generation. The "girl power" idea is about shaping girls who can take charge of their lives, who have good self-esteem, who won't be pushed around, who have goals and who don't have to have sex or drop out of school in order to fit in.

The young women leaders that I was able to meet at the weekend are starting from the premise that equality is theirs and they are working to make it a reality. I believe that the challenge is to embrace the spark in this next generation and encourage others to also participate and not rely on someone else to stand up and take on their fight.

Leadership for these young women is far more than just being at the top of their field. It is about listening and recognising skills in others; about people's inner experience of values such as dignity and self-respect; and about how we can change the world to make all of this a reality.

Working in politics, I am often confronted with the stereotype that young people are apathetic and don't wish to be involved. I wish some of these critics had been with me at the national youth event on the weekend. These young women leaders have a high level of optimism. They are taking on life and embracing the challenges of the future as well as looking forward to their future. I wish them all well, and believe me when I say that we have not seen the last of them.

Outward Bound Australia

Collingwood Football Club

MR HARGREAVES (4.14): I want to let the house know about a trip I took to a place on the Naas Road near Tharwa in the delightful and picturesque electorate of Brindabella where I was treated to an inspection of the Outward Bound Australia compound. I wish to put on the record my appreciation to Wendy Machin, the marketing manager, and Karim Haddad, the schools director, who showed me around this national training organisation. It is an amazing place and I would encourage every member to go and have a look at it. This facility provides leadership and self-esteem building for young people. You don't have to be disadvantaged and you don't have to be in trouble to go there. It just enables people to get an idea of their own potential and give it a run.

The program run by Outward Bound is based on physical activity and survival.

Mr Wood: Did you climb over the equipment?

MR HARGREAVES: I took one look at the equipment, realised that I was 47 years too old and thought, "No, this is for young people." I recommend very strongly that people go out and have a look at this fantastic facility which is being run by a fantastic organisation. Outward Bound operates Australia-wide. Thousands of kids across Australia are going through their programs. I also was struck by the training opportunities for Australian Rules football at the camp on the Naas road. This facility would adequately suit the needs of a premier Australian Rules football team.

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