Emma is a Journalism student and a first-time voter who is dedicated to building a safe and just future for young people.
This federal election I am a first-time voter, along with the nearly 700,000 other Australians who will cast their ballot for the first time. The largest demographic of these new voters is those who have turned 18 since the 2022 federal election. This election, for the first time in Australia Generation Z and Millennials will make up close to 50% of voters, making us the dominant demographic of voters.
So, it is reasonable to suggest that the policy and response to key issues should reflect the values of young people.
Therefore, it has become more important than ever for young people like me to understand the issues on the ballot this election and how that will impact our future. Statistically speaking our collective voice is the loudest, so our personal voting choices matter.
The preferential system ensures that every vote can have an impact on the turnout of an electorate. Your number 1 preference is just as important as your number 2 or 3. Those votes will flow down in the order of preferences if that person doesn't get in as the member for an electorate.
Approaching my first time voting has required a lot of research. Working out my priorities for the future to then find the candidates that align most with my values.
That number 1 priority that has emerged for me is my generation’s future. This means focusing on climate and community. These are the key pillars, to me, of what will impact the ability to create a safe, equal future for all. I remind myself and my peers that are now able to vote that our votes are not just for us. Ultimately, whoever is successful in becoming our federal representative and Prime Minister will have an impact on the whole community, not just ourselves.
The environment and its ongoing climate crisis are issues that will impact us all. In the past 5 years we have been continuously reminded of this by the natural disasters that have been increasing in size and severity. Only weeks ago, cyclone Alfred was threatening Queensland and before then Australia has seen constant floods and fires destroy communities around the country. It’s becoming increasingly clear that this is a relentless crisis.
This is why climate change is always on the agenda in politics. Or it at least should be.
Talks about climate in politics should not just bookend natural disasters. I would like to see it as a constant conversation. I want to see emphasis on environmental action and protecting young people not just in the next three years but in the long term.
Young people will experience the worst impacts of climate change in coming decades, but we are not responsible for the majority of the environmental damage. This is already clear as each summer is getting hotter, a clear sign of global warming that is only one of many consequences of climate disaster. If we see the impact so regularly, we should also see action to prevent the destruction of our environment.
Our future must be secured. This means large scale action is needed soon in the form of a widespread transition to renewables. I continue to have hope for the future. This election must prioritise the future of young people to ensure that we have the opportunities to succeed.
With every election the demographic of voters has shifted as more of Gen Z turn eighteen, therefore the values of each party have needed to change to somewhat mimic the ideas of young people. Climate change is of constant concern to us as young people. Many of us have been part of the student climate strikes that occurred in every major city across Australia from 2019-2024. Many of us have consistently called for climate action and justice.
Part of that climate justice also means protecting the community. By this I am specifically referring to upholding our rights and working towards building an equitable future. Climate action relies on strong communities that celebrate our individuality while working together to help the environment.
So, while I focus on which parties support the environment in their policies, I am also looking at how they will support people. Supporting people to find relief from the cost-of-living crisis. Supporting those who have faced injustice and discrimination.
Supporting the planet includes supporting the people who live on the planet.
Young people have the opportunity to shape the results of the election to align with the priorities of the younger generations. Therefore, research and conversation are important to build a future which will be the most positive for decades to come.