Meeting the Minister for Housing
Written by Year 11 student Gyanbi Shrestha
St Norbert College
On Thursday, 14th November 2024, I had the unique opportunity to attend a transformative meeting with Clare O'Neil, Australia's Minister for Housing, alongside Zaneta Mascarenhas and the CEO of Connect Village Hub. This gathering was held at the Connect Village Hub and brought together a select group of individuals, including myself and two fellow changemakers from the Swan Changemaker Conference. The discussion highlighted a pressing and multifaceted issue: the housing crisis in Australia. Together, we explored what housing means to us, shared solutions from a youth perspective, and considered how the government can better engage younger Australians on the housing crisis.
This rare experience offered me a firsthand look into policymaking and debate, as well as the privilege to network with government officials and learn about their plans for societal betterment and housing investment. Equally inspiring were my conversations with many older Australians who shared their powerful stories about housing, emphasising the privileges and challenges associated with it. Their advocacy highlighted the urgent need for younger generations to stay informed and vocal on this critical issue. This experience was both eye-opening and motivating, and I left with a renewed commitment to advocate for a future where better housing is a right for all.
Gyanbi Shrestha
(P4)