Dr WOODRUFF - Minister, this is about the impact of the climate emergency and climate anxiety. Mission Australia's survey of Tasmanian young people 15 to 19 shows that the environment is the top rating issue, the most important issue for them even above mental health which is extraordinary.
In your Mental Health portfolio have you any focus on the particular issues relating to climate anxiety and how that is increasing anxiety and rates of depression that relate between the two of them? Do you have any information? Are you aware of the importance of taking leadership on declaring a climate emergency so that people feel that they are heard and people in positions of leadership are doing something?
Mr ROCKLIFF - It is important that young people have their voice in this discussion and their voice is heard. I spoke this morning about the forum that the children's commissioner organised this year, attended by most of our secretaries of departments, including Ms Morgan-Wicks. Mr Bullard the education secretary, and Ms Gale the head of DPAC, myself, Ms O'Connor, Mr Willie and Mr Jaensch were there as well. We were listening to people's voices and young people's voices as well.
We have not put any obstacles in the way of our young people expressing their view at climate change rallies and the like. Of course, we need to make sure that they are and we know exactly where individuals are when they choose to not be in the classroom but to express their view on these matters.
CHAIR - Minister, I am afraid the time has expired. It is now 6.20 p.m. That is the end of the day. I thank the minister for his time today. I thank the members of the Committee for their cooperation.
Mr ROCKLIFF - I thank our team as well, officers from all our departments, all our team and within our Office as well. A fantastic job.
