You Tell Us: Young voters make their voices heard

For the first time, Millennial and Gen Z voters will outnumber their Baby Boomer counterparts at a federal election. The Burne spoke to four younger Australians to find out what they're thinking as the country goes to the polls.

How involved, represented, or interested are you in this election? Do you feel like it matters?

Younger voters will be a dominant force in the 2025 federal poll. Photo: Australian Electoral Commission

Mia Kioney, 20, apprentice electrician, Cooper electorate, first time voter

"Heaps more involved now, especially since the CFMEU union is at risk if Lberals get in and the unions have told us to put Dutton last, if he gets in then it would be a big impact on my career including the wages and conditions of construction workers."

Jack Kean, 20, studying Global Studies and International Relations, Jagajaga electorate

"This is the first election I've properly paid attention to. I was still very young when I voted last time and didn't have the interest in politics I do now. I feel like this election matters a lot, as we are at a geopolitical crossroads, and the next government will be the one to lead us through a very chaotic time."

Massimo Canale, 20, student, Albert Park electorate:

"I don’t feel involved or represented in any way. But I am interested about who will be our next prime minister. I feel like this election does matter just like every other election we have because it’s about our future and how the government can make Australia a better place for everyone to live."

Georgia Cate Mortimore, 22, Psychological Sciences Honours student and retail worker, Melbourne electorate

Super involved and interested. Maybe even more so than in previous years. But I’ve always been very interested and involved.

How much do you think the major and minor parties represent your interests as a young person right now?

Mia Koney, student. Photo: Supplied

Kioney: I like the Greens, saying they will to tax big corporations. Doing this would help fund affordable housing and help with the cost-of-living crisis

Kean: I feel most of the issues I care about are covered through various political parties, especially the left and far left ones, however that does come with the caveat of being more fortunate in things like housing than many others my age

Canale: I don’t feel involved or represented in any way. But I am interested in who will be our next prime minister. I feel like this election does matter, just like every other election we have because it’s about our future and how the government can make Australia a better place for everyone to live.

Mortimore: I think minor parties represent my interests a lot more than major parties do. I'm quite unimpressed by Labor's efforts during their time so far and I find the Liberals to be completely out of touch. I mostly align with the Greens when it comes to social issues, but I’m not satisfied by the economic propositions put forward by any of the parties .

What are your main issues you’d like to see addressed?

Kioney: Affordable housing, climate change, fair wages, and stronger protections for workers are my biggest concerns. I'm worried that if we don’t take serious action soon, the cost of living and environmental damage will keep rising while ordinary people get left behind.

Jack Kean, 20, Studying at university, Jagajaga. Photo: Supplied

Kean:  As someone who is more fortunate and focused on global affairs, I would like to see a focus on geopolitical stability and figuring our place in the world over the next century, preferably with a focus towards South East Asia. However, that doesn't exclude me from wanting to see more done on housing, and a significant cut in negative gearing.

Canale: HECS debt. Housing prices. Relations with other countries (America, China).

Mortimore: My main concerns are reducing violence against women, Increasing healthcare accessibility (including subsidising education to increase skilled workers in the field), and increasing access to food, shelter and other essentials. The lack of access to these things are the main concerns of this cost of living crisis and any financial proposal that is going to decrease their accessibility is not going to solve the issue 

How does political landscape in Australia compare to what you saw with the American election?

Kioney: Australia's politics feel a bit more stable, but the influence of big business and media here is still not great. The US seemed more extreme and chaotic, but some of the same issues such as inequality, climate inaction, distrust in institutions exist here too, just less loudly.

Kean: It's far less toxic. The election in the US was full of culture war topics and that distracted from issues that affected almost everyone negatively. Australia has less of that, but it's impossible to look at Dutton without seeing a hint of Trump.

Massimo Canale, 20, student, Albert Park electorate. Photo: Supplied

Canale:  Pretty basic and boring here to be honest. The American election is pretty interesting and at times intense, ours doesn’t feel like it’s being slammed in your face all the time. I feel like I know more about the American elections than I do our own!

Mortimore: I think we’re lucky, in that the outlandish policies that the US are currently implementing are not at play in such a large scale here. However, I can see similarities in the concerns driving voting decisions. I think a lot of younger people are afraid that the Coalition may be inspired by the US’s right wing ideals. Particularly regarding women’s rights, the rights of those in the LGBTQI+ community, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and First Nations Australians.

What qualities or characteristics would you like to see in the PM?

Kioney: Someone real, not fake. Someone who cares about workers and actually listens to young people. I’m sick of career politicians who just say what they think sounds good. Someone who genuinely wants to help Australia and it's people, not someone is only focused on money and power

Kean: A prime minister who is strong in their beliefs, and charismatic enough to talk about them openly. In this era of political polarisation, it's impossible to please everyone so maintaining what is important to them and having the confidence to pass what they believe in.

Canale: Leadership. Determined. Calm.

Mortimore: Proactive, Strategic, Open-minded, Accountable, Brave