Young people’s perspectives on the 2025 federal election
The federal election is taking place on Saturday 3 May across the country. This year’s election will be the first where young voters (Millennials and Gen Z) will outnumber baby boomers, handing over a lot of voting power to young people. We spoke to three young people from CMY’s Youth Advisory Groups (YAGs) Adriel, Rumaysa and Darcy, to hear what matters to them this federal election.
Adriel
Adriel is a young multicultural man from Melbourne. He is currently studying medicine and is a new member of CMY’s Metro YAG. He is a first-time voter in this year’s election having just turned 18.
What does voting mean to you?
“I think voting is a really good way to participate in society and really make sure that I’m actually able to advocate for what matters to me. I think it’s very important that we do get our voices out there and that politicians respond to us and listen to us about what matters to us.”
What matters to you this election?
“For me personally, I would say mental health support is a big one. Being able to focus on prevention rather than intervening after it’s already happened. I think it’s really important that mental healthcare is tailored to different cultures and different perspectives that other people would have. It’s really important that we sort of destigmatise some of the stigma that occurs and to tailor it to different cultures and beliefs.
I would say cost of living is also a big one with so many different aspects. For example, it’s much harder to find nutritious meals that are cheap. Climate change is really important to me, recently we’ve seen the impact of disasters like cyclones, heatwaves, bushfires. It doesn’t seem to be slowing down but it’s important that changes. Also, education. I think it’s really important that we have more pathways. Allow people to explore their dreams, their careers and just give them more options. It’s really important that that happens.”
Rumaysa
Rumaysa is a multicultural woman from Melbourne and is also a new member of CMY’s Metro YAG and a first-time voter!
What does voting mean to you?
“Voting is both a right and a responsibility. As a Muslim woman and migrant in Australia, casting my vote is a way of honouring the struggles of those who fought for representation and equality. It is a chance to shape a society that values diversity, justice, and inclusion. Studying law and journalism, I understand the power of both the legal system and public discourse, and voting is that bridge of connection. Each ballot I cast is a statement that my voice matters, that my community matters, and that I believe in building a future where everyone is heard.”
What matters to you this election?
“The cost of living is the single most important topic of this election. With grocery prices skyrocketing and housing fading into an unrealistic dream for many youth, being able to afford to SURVIVE is the key issue that needs reformation. Youth homelessness is increasing due to unregulated substance abuse and family issues, and the homelessness crisis is growing by day.”
Any advice for other first-time voters?
“The “lesser of two evils” is a narrative perpetuated by the major parties to drive votes towards themselves rather than towards YOU, along with other mindsets such as “you’re only one vote, it doesn’t matter who you vote for”. Unlike the United States, we in Australia have the power to elect our representatives based on values we agree with. By voting for independents, you’re not “wasting a vote”, you’re giving a seat from the major parties that work for multinationals and the rich, to an independent who has a greater chance of actually interacting with communities to get their perspectives, rather than negotiate with corporations. Additionally, by preventing the major parties from having majority seats, they are FORCED to negotiate with minor parties with your interests to get their vote on a bill, allowing the creation of programs that work towards you, instead of profiting off you.”
Darcy
Darcy is a young freelance, queer creative from the Gippsland region. He also recently joined CMY Gippsland’s YAG. He is a first-time voter this year.
What does voting mean to you?
“I would say that I’m excited to vote because it has been a topical issue since I was probably 16. A lot of debates about lowering the age through school and everything, and now it’s like, finally, my time to actually take that big step. Voting means a lot. I would say that having an actual say in our federal decision-making means a lot as somebody who cares deeply about social and environmental issues. I don’t have any hesitations because I think that whatever I try to change, I won’t be able to change it instantly and at the end of the day, somebody wins. The least I can do is try and get the person that I want to win.”
What matters to you this election?
“I would probably say that being from Gippsland, I don’t want a nuclear plant in my backyard. Personally, I think that it’s more harm than good, and I think that our region is changing into renewables, and I want to keep that on track. I think obviously after COVID and like the whole cozzy livs crisis, inflation is a very big issue.
I think I’d push for better funding for regional schools instead of private schools. I think that would be brilliant just being in and around those spaces and seeing the teachers and what they have to deal with and the lengths that they have to go just to supply them with the bare minimum.”
Any advice for other first-time voters?
“I would say to Google for specific things. Use every resource that you can find and actually look for specific issues instead of just reading an AI overview on the top of the Google search. Don’t discredit politics as an “old white man’s sport.””
Aside from Darcy, Rumaysa and Adriel’s perspectives, we have also compiled some helpful tips on what to do if you are a first-time voter this election!
Where can I find information about the election?
Your first port of call for finding out everything you need to know about voting, how to vote, where to go and anything else is the AEC website. Translated and accessible information can be found here.
If you want to get independent election coverage, news websites such as the ABC, The Guardian and SBS have great explainers, and articles that you can watch, read and listen to. If you like to listen to your news, podcasts like ‘Politics Now’ by Patricia Karvelas has some interesting election content!
If you prefer to consume information on social media, there are some great Instagram accounts including ‘Cheek Media’ and ‘The Daily Aus’ that might interest you.
It can be overwhelming to keep up with who is saying what in the lead up to the election and what they stand for. The best place to go is to each of the parties or independents websites to see what their plan is if they are elected. If you don’t know who the candidates in your electorate are, you can find out on the AEC website by searching your suburb. The Conversation have also created a ‘Policy Tracker’ where you can find all the major parties and Independents policies grouped by topics.
Which party/independent aligns most with me?
It can be tough to make sense of what all the different people and parties’ policies are, and it can be intimidating to decide with so much information out there. If you want to answer some questions and be told what major parties and independents most align with you, there are some great websites and apps that have been created for this purpose! Take out 20 minutes of your day and check out ABC’s ‘Vote Compass 2025’ or download ‘Build a Ballot’ and you can walk into election day feeling confident about who you are voting for, and what they stand for!
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong to the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of CMY.