The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (Parliament House, Canberra) has commenced an inquiry into whether to introduce voluntary voting for 16 and 17 year olds and lower the voter registration age to 14.
In our response, YACVic urges that the Committee engage directly with young Australians from rural, regional, remote and metropolitan communities, including young people who would typically face barriers to getting involved in political processes.
YACVic supports including 16 and 17 year olds in the franchise on a voluntary basis, but we also call for further investment in meaningful civics education for young people and initiatives to involve diverse young people in political and civic life.