As the federal election draws near, young Australians are rising as a force to be reckoned with. With nearly half of the voter demographic made up of Gen Z and Millennials, their votes are set to shape the future, with human rights at the forefront of discussion.
Young Australians are demanding urgent action on critical human rights issues that affect their daily lives. The escalating housing crisis, and the right to affordable housing is a major concern, alongside the need for better healthcare, particularly mental health services.
Racism and systemic discrimination remain pervasive, with many young Australians calling for a Federal Human Rights Act to enshrine the right to housing alongside protection against discrimination. In response to current policies and their condemnable treatment of refugees and people seeking safety, young people are calling for more humane and empathetic pathways for those in need of protection.
On the global stage, young Australians are holding the government accountable for its role in international human rights issues. The ongoing genocide in Gaza is one of their top concerns, with calls for Australia to demand a permanent ceasefire and ensure unhindered access to humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Action to address the climate crisis is also a non-negotiable as young voters are demanding immediate, bold action to promote climate justice and secure a sustainable, just future for all.
Amnesty International Australia urges all political candidates to prioritise these human rights concerns and engage with young voters on the issues that matter most to them. The youth vote will be pivotal in this election, and it is crucial that the next government listens to and acts on the priorities of young Australians. Members of Amnesty International Australia’s Diverse Voices Youth Network share their concerns.
“We need a government who will financially support working class immigrant youth”
— Aleyna, 17
“We need a government who will financially support working class immigrant youth. Low SES youth deserve to have the choice to access university. They don’t deserve to feel the burden of money for years ahead; let us accomplish our dreams and contribute to society.”
— Aleyna, 17
“I care vehemently about the rights of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. With some of the most punitive polices on forced migration in the world, I dream of political leaders that hold more empathy.
“As a young renter facing the cost-of-living crisis, I can’t even begin to comprehend the housing stress Victoria’s public housing residents are experiencing. Everyone deserves access to secure housing.”
— Jovilyn, 22
“As a young renter facing the cost-of-living crisis, I can’t even begin to comprehend the housing stress Victoria’s public housing residents are experiencing. Everyone deserves access to secure housing. Treating public housing units as expendable is a complete disregard for the human right to housing, stability, and dignity.”
— Jovilyn, 22
“Everyone has the right to have basic shelter and again it seems like our leaders don’t really care.”
— Raisan
“As a young person I’m frustrated that I’d have to save for a long time to buy a house for myself and I’m frustrated that it seems like a lot of politicians don’t really care to fix it. I’m frustrated that homelessness is increasing across the country. Everyone has the right to have basic shelter and again it seems like our leaders don’t really care.”
— Raisan
To platform the voices of young people ahead of the election, Amnesty International Australia, in collaboration with Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Tomorrow Movement, Seed, and Green Music Australia, will co-host Youth on the Mic, an online, youth-led forum on April 15th.
Event Details
Youth on the Mic is an online, inter-organisational, youth-led forum, co-hosted by Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Amnesty International Australia, Tomorrow Movement, Seed, and Green Music Australia. Political candidates will be invited to listen to young people about the issues impacting them the most.
WHEN
April 15, 2025, at 6:30pm – 8pm
WHERE
Online – RSVP NOW
This forum will provide an opportunity for young voters to engage directly with political candidates, ensuring that the issues that matter most to them are front and centre as the election draws near.
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all – and we can only do it with your support.
Act now or learn more about our human rights work.
