What Young People in NSW Care About This Federal Election
The number of young people enrolled to vote has never been higher. The controversial plebiscite survey in 2017 led to 65,274 young people between 18-24 years old joining the electoral roll in time to cast their votes for or against marriage equality, and now this generation of fresh voters are getting ready to show our leaders what issues matter to them the most.
So I decided to find out what matters to young people in my home state of NSW this election. Here’s what they had to say:
Name: Maya
Age: 18 years old
Location: Parramatta, NSW
As a young person, what is your main concern at the upcoming federal election?
As a young person, I’m deeply concerned about climate change and the environment. It is devastating to see temperatures rise, polluted oceans and toxic air. I’m worried for the effects this will have on our generation and the ones to come. This affects my future, your future and ultimately humanity’s future.
What solutions would you propose?
There should be policies that promote sustainable renewable energy and less reliance on unsustainable resources that deplete our environment like coal. It’s a small but effective initiative that I’d love to see my public school run on solar powered energy. It’s not good enough to just talk about it, we want to see real action.
Name: Mahmoud
Age: 19
Location: Fairfield, NSW
As a young person, what is your main concern at the upcoming federal election?
I’m concerned about the economy. I believe we need to reduce national debt, however, in a way that is fair and does not hurt lower or middle income families. Young people are struggling financially trying to juggle part-time jobs with study. It is almost inconceivable to be able to afford a home.
What solutions would you propose?
To tackle unaffordable housing, I like the idea of making changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax. It is reasonable to implement changes that will assist young people in buying their first home, even if it is a small change.
Name: Joshua
Age: 20
Location: Ultimo, NSW
As a young person, what is your main concern at the upcoming federal election?
My main concern is youth jobs and employment. It took me several months to get a job in my apprentice field of study. I left school and started TAFE, where I now study part-time and work for the rest of the week. There are hundreds of TAFE students like me, and we’re all concerned about TAFE affordability, future employment and the changing workforce.
What solutions would you propose?
I think there should be more TAFE placement for students, greater careers advice during school and extra support networks for TAFE students. TAFE services need to be increased, not decreased because university is not for everyone. Alternative pathways are not promoted enough in schools, which makes it harder for students like me.
Name: Hamze
Location: Strathfield, NSW
Age: 21
As a young person, what is your main concern at the upcoming federal election?
Fitness, wellbeing and mental health. I’m an active tennis player and swimmer, who has always loved sports growing up. Australia has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, and not enough is being done to combat this issue. The wellbeing of young people directly relates to an active, healthy lifestyle which also includes positive mental health.
What solutions would you propose?
More sports activities for young people, greater awareness of healthy lifestyles and more investment into youth suicide prevention. Young people have disproportionate suicide rates which needs to be addressed. I believe fitness and wellbeing relates to these high rates.
Name: Michael
Age: 20
Location: Cabramatta
As a young person, what is your main concern at the upcoming federal election?
I’m a white Ribbon Day Ambassador so domestic violence is a key concern, especially amongst young men. I believe it’s a national crisis and it starts from disrespect of women. I’ve also run Cancer Council Relay for Life events in the local community, to support cancer patients.
What solutions would you propose?
I’m extremely proud of the announcement for a National Cancer fund to fight cancer by Labor. I believe this is a positive step in the right direction for millions of Australians and young people who have relatives affected by cancer. Young people also have a stake in this, in 2015 cancer affected 8.8% of young Australians. Young people should also live in a safe environment, free from abuse, harm and violence.
