In an inspiring moment for many, a heartfelt speech written by young Maahi Verma was read out in Parliament. Maahi, a South Asian young girl born in Australia, shared her thoughts and hopes for the country she calls home.

In her speech, Maahi expressed her confusion and concern about the lack of representation on television. She asked a powerful question: "Why don’t I see many people that look like me or my mummy and daddy?"

Maahi, the daughter of lawyer, gender equity champion and political commentator Mannie Kaur Verma, was organised as part of a campaign for the non-profit Raise Our Voice Australia, an organisation that mobilises young women and gender diverse people through education, campaigns and community to transform policy and politics..

Maahi reflected on how people on TV hold important positions and make decisions that affect her life and future. She voiced her desire for those decision-makers to reflect the diversity of Australia and called for equal representation. "I also want to feel important. I also want to be heard. This is about my future. This is about the future of my country," Maahi stated passionately.

Her speech concluded with a forward-looking message: in 20 years, she wants Australia to value all of its people.

Maahi's words resonated deeply, touching on themes of inclusion, diversity, and the importance of equal opportunities for all Australians.

Read her full speech:

My name is Maahi Verma and I was born in Australia. I call Australia my home. My mummy and daddy call Australia their home. My Grandma and Grandpa call Australia their home. 

But I am a bit confused. When I watch TV, why don’t I see many people that look like me or my mummy and daddy? I know that people who are on TV are really important people. So why don’t really important people look like me? My mummy says that people who come on TV make decisions about my life. They decide what my future is going to be like. So if that’s true I want people who look like me to make decisions about me. 

I also want to feel important. I also want to be heard. This is about my future. This is about the future of my country. 

In 20 years I want Australia to value all of its people.