What do young people want to see in politics?

Ahead of the Australian Election, Young People’s Voices Must Be Heard

What Matters to Young People?

For the past 20 years, young people have been telling us what matters to them as part of the Whitlam Institute’s What Matters? writing competition. Students in years 5–12 can write about whatever they like. Most are directed by their schools to contribute as a part of their civics curriculum. Some opt to enter the competition out of interest.

Our analysis of 22,500 entries from 2019 to 2024 provides insight into the issues that resonate most with this generation.

The Top 5 Concerns of Young People

1. Society and Democracy

We found young people were actively grappling with complex and diverse issues in an increasingly fragmented political landscape. They are also concerned about anti-democratic forces. They reflect on what makes this moment exceptional – climate change, war and violence, rapid technological change – and consider actions needed from individuals, communities, and institutions for them to have a future.

1. Mental Health

Many young people write about "health," including physical health and the health of communities and natural environments. Most often, though, they write about mental health and the causes of worry, distress, and illness. Young people want governments and leaders to tackle the causes of the causes of ill-health, including climate change, inequality, and loneliness.

1. Environment and Climate Change

Environmental issues, particularly climate change, were dominant themes – more so than in previous years. Students write about their relationship to the environment and the benefits of connecting to nature. Some are calling out extractive relationships with the environment, particularly by large corporations. They demand urgent action from individuals and institutions, advocating for policies that prioritize future generations and the planet.

1. Intergenerational Justice

Young people see intergenerational justice and social justice as interconnected, demanding climate action, economic opportunity, and democratic participation. Their concerns reflect a commitment to human rights, including refugee rights, gender equality, and Indigenous justice.

1. Social Media

Young people highlight social media’s pros and cons, calling for strategies that better engage with them to reduce harm and maximize benefits. They stress the need for digital literacy to navigate online information critically and want online environments to be supportive and safe.

Candidates on Notice

Young people are not just future constituents – they are voting at the next election. The young people whose writing we analyzed have formed civic and political values during a turbulent time in Australian and world history: catastrophic bushfires and floods, a climate crisis, a pandemic, and digital technologies that are changing our lives.

Conclusion

Our analysis tells us many of this year’s 18–24-year-old voters are informed, engaged, and ready to hold leaders accountable. They want action on climate, mental health, economic justice, and democratic accountability. They’re tired of being ignored and sidelined.

FAQs

• What is the What Matters? writing competition?
  The What Matters? writing competition is an annual competition for students in years 5–12, asking them to write about what matters to them.
• How many entries did you analyze?
  We analyzed 22,500 entries from 2019 to 2024.
• What are the top concerns of young people?
  The top concerns of young people include society and democracy, mental health, environment and climate change, intergenerational justice, and social media.
• What do young people want from leaders and institutions?
  Young people want leaders and institutions to take action on climate change, prioritize human rights, and promote democratic participation and accountability.