Emma makes a difference

By Casey Neill
UPWEY teen Emma Hall is tackling poverty and disease head-on.
The 19-year-old last month lobbied MPs in Canberra to recognise World Tuberculosis Day in parliament and commit extra funds to fight the disease.
She and seven other RESULTS members from across Australia met with more than 20 parliamentarians.
“It was very inspiring but at the same time I learnt how hard it is to actually get things happening,” she said. “Everyone relies on someone else.”
RESULTS is an international network of volunteers working to increase the public and political will to end poverty.
Their work includes letters, meetings with MPs, presentations and campaigns.
Ms Hall joined the Melbourne Hills group two years ago. “I’ve always had a sense of social justice,” she said. “Things aren’t fair and I want to help.”
The group meets once a month to learn about issues and lobby the government. “It’s really good but I’m more of a hands-on person,” she said. “I’m impatient. Lobbying the government takes lots of endurance. But when you get what you want it’s amazing.”
On 18 March the senate passed a motion to acknowledge World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, 24 March.
Ms Hall said TB caused more than two million deaths each year.
The Australian Government this year contributed $46.5 million to the global fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria.
“We would like this to increase to $100 million in the 2011-12 budget,” Ms Hall said. “Then to $175 million in 2012-13. This will keep us on track for our fair share compared to the other countries contributing.”
Ms Hall visited India in December, where she worked for a children’s trust for three weeks.
“900 people a day die from TB in India, but it used to be 1600,” she said. “Being an airborne disease, in a crowded place like India it spreads very fast.”
The former Upwey High School student met with La Trobe MP Jason Wood during the Canberra visit.
“Emma is a great example of a young Australian dedicated to making a real difference in the world,” Mr Wood said.