The portrayal of women in the media and advertising is a key contributor to the preoccupation with body image amongst young women. Schools implement programs to ensure that girls will develop positive notions of their identity and that their appraisal of themselves and others is not constrained by what is perceived to be ideal. At Marian—

the subject of health focuses on a wholistic approach to health and body issues. The impact of school policies however, is limited within a culture where the presentation of women in the media and advertising continues to be exploitative and archetypal. That the media is projected into homes daily and that it is the most basic source of information, social values and entertainment signifies its relevance. Articles in girls magazines advocate individuality but appear alongside advertisements featuring girls who are non-representative of a true teenage demographic. Women in advertising are largely domesticated or sexually exploited. The heroine of film continues to be a Cinderella. This all signifies that popular sentiment regarding the female body image has yet to progress to reality. In the community, within the media and advertising sector, we seek the parliaments support that women be portrayed authentically as real women, towards the aim that body image does not remain an integral criteria of a woman's self and social worth.

Another critical issue included in the petition—

is the sustenance of the environment as the core constituent in living securely and safely. As the mothers of tomorrow, it is our desire that our children may be raised within the safety of a clean environment and experience security in the sustainability of our air, land, and water. Such sustainability is advocated at a community level, through widespread recycling programs and the support of suburban creeks and walkways. Schools incorporate environmental studies into their curriculum, and at Marian we are encouraged to be aware of environmental issues and participate in action where possible; particularly important considering our school and my home's proximity to expanding industrial factories.

We seek the support of the government to maintain our integrity in our commitment to global agreements, which will benefit the children of tomorrow, everywhere.

I am here today because I have been given this opportunity to speak to you because of our school leaders initiating our involvement, and I am grateful. There remains however, a chasm in the opportunities for other young people to express their personal views in open forums. As your future, we urge our leaders to be receptive to the voice of youth.