Interview with Kate Thwaites MP

Recently, we, (Emilie and Harriet) were lucky enough to be able to get in contact with Kate Thwaites, a member of the House of Representatives since 2019 and Victorian Member for Jagajaga, and ask her a few questions about what being a global citizen means to her and how young people like us can be globally-minded. Jagajaga is the area that covers all three of our school’s campuses and is named in honour of the three principal Aboriginal elders who signed a treaty with John Batman in 1835, which intended to give the white settlers 500,000 acres of land at the north-west end of Port Phillip Bay and 100,000 acres around Geelong. Below is a quote from Ms Thwaites, which inspired our interview and the questions and answers we received from her:

“We should not discourage young people and our community more broadly from standing up for what they believe in and arguing for the future. Because without serious action to tackle climate change there are serious consequences for our young people.” 

Hi, my name is Kate Thwaites and I’m the Federal Member for Jagajaga. I want to thank Emilie and Harriet for asking me to contribute to The Ivy Voice. I had a look over the previous issue and I’m very impressed. It’s wonderful to see you all engaging in big ideas and I encourage you all to continue to push for the causes you care about.

E&H: In light of current events, such as the climate crisis and the Black Lives Matter protests, what do you think students can be doing to make a difference in their community to help create a better future for the world?

KT: Young people have really helped to lead these movements, especially highlighting the need for urgent action on climate change. So, I would urge all of you to remember that your voice is powerful. History shows us that for change to happen, we have to work on a whole lot of levels and it can take time. So you don’t have to have a global voice, like Greta Thunberg, to help make a difference. You can use your voice to talk about the change you want to see in your family, your school or local community. 

E&H: How can students educate themselves on problems such as racism outside of the classroom? What resources would you suggest? 

KT: Firstly, it’s great that you realise educating yourself about racism is really important. This is something we all need to do so that we can help to build a more equal community.

You could ask your school to look into the program ‘Racism No Way’, and that way you can all learn together. For education outside the classroom, I would suggest following anti-racist content creators on Instagram and TikTok, search #antiracism to pull up some great resources. You could also read ‘The Hate U Give’ by Angie Thomas or ‘Naughts and Crosses’ by Mallorie Blackman, both of which have recently been turned into TV series, which are aimed at young adults and focus on racial prejudice in our society. And get involved in local celebrations such as NAIDOC week, which provides us with the opportunity to celebrate Australia’s First Nations and build awareness the status and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

E&H: We are aware of the ways in which the coronavirus is impacting all members of society particularly those who are already disadvantaged and were wondering what your advice would be regarding what students can do to support and raise awareness about these issues during this time?

KT: One of the most difficult things at the moment is that we’re all distanced from each other, and so we are more disconnected than usual. This does make it even harder for people who are already disadvantaged. There are some great organisations supporting people in need at the moment, and I’d encourage you to do some research and make a donation to one of them if you can. And hold people like me to account! Get it touch with your local MP (state and federal) and let them know that this support is important to you. 

E&H: We understand many students know they can raise their voices through protests and social media, however, what can students do if attending protests is not possible or they feel uncomfortable using social media?

KT: Great question. There are so many things you can do to help create change aside from protesting or using social media. In fact, some research tells us that the most powerful way to change someone’s mind is for them to hear a message from someone they know and trust, rather than to see a protest or something in social media. So talk to your friends, family and those around you. Don’t worry if you don’t always agree - we can still respect each other’s views and continue to have constructive conversations.

E&H: Is there a way young people can bridge the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous cultures especially in a place as multicultural as Australia? 

KT: Yes, absolutely. We’ve still got a long way to go to close the gap and reconcile our country. Firstly, it’s important to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and hear what they want for their future. Have a look at the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and find out more about the treaty-making process that is underway now in Victoria. Listening and understanding our history and current situation will mean you are in a much more powerful position to push for change. 

We would like to thank Ms Thwaites for taking the time to answer our questions and inspire the Ivanhoe Grammar School students during these times to motivate them to continue to fight for the issues they believe in and speak out when they want something to change in our society!