1 day Ago By Chelsea Thomson
For a 17-year-old who has never voted in an election, I have some big opinions. Login or signup to continue reading After being in numerous political debates with friends, failing to see eye to eye and rationalise with each other is not what bothers me the most. What does concern me is hearing a teenager say that they couldn't care less about voting or politics.
I get that, after being a kid your whole life, it's hard to expect teenagers to suddenly delve into the adult world and care strongly about adult matters, but any lenient attitude towards voting needs to be addressed. Young people are the future, and therefore the protectors and the continuators of our beautiful democracy. We only have to look at history and the world around us to truly see the value and importance of our right to vote.
Flash back to 1892. No colony in Australia has given women the right to vote in a state or federal election. You, as a woman, are mature enough to be married and responsible enough to care for your children.
The law says you are an adult, except that you cannot vote. "It is not a woman's place," your husband tells you. While you are a citizen, your country is run solely by men.
You have no power, you are underestimated and dismissed. Equal voting rights were not given to white women until 1902. It wasn't until 1965 that all Indigenous women were allowed to vote.
Finally, every Australian woman could have a say in their state and federal elections. But, in 2025, somewhere out there, there is a girl who does not care. It's 2021, in Afghanistan.
Almost 20 years of war have passed. The Americans, deciding to end their military occupation, depart Afghanistan from Kabul Airport. Filled with desperation, several people climb onto the exterior of the plane as it rolls down the runway.
Hundreds of others swarm the runway in an effort to stop the Americans from leaving. The plane takes off, and people fall from the sky. The Taliban are now in full control.
They ban political parties and elections. The people are ruled by tyranny and have no way out. In 2025, Australia, voting and fair elections ensure we have full control of who's in power, but somewhere out there, there is a citizen who does not care.
As young people, we are at the start of our lives, living in a world vastly different to that of our parents. It is important that we realise what is at stake in every election. That we use our vote to ensure our future and needs are looked after.
I urge you not to throw away your vote by choosing randomly or voting for whoever your parents picked. Educate yourself, take it seriously. Do not rely on other Australians to make the right decision about your future.
The cost of living, housing, energy, crime prevention, climate, health and the workforce. All these issues affect young people. All issues that will change your life are based on the results of this election.
At 17, I'm about to enter the adult world, and frankly, my optimism around my future is diminishing. Will I be able to afford my own home? Yes, if I get a degree, I will typically earn more money than someone without one, but I will still have a big HECS debt to pay. Labor is promising to cut 20 per cent off student loans, but if the housing prices keep skyrocketing, will that help? An Australian Bureau of Statistics study in 2022 found that between 1999-2000 and 2019-2020, home ownership, with or without a mortgage, had dropped from 71 per cent to 66 per cent.
In an article in 2024, the Grattan Institute estimated that by 2056, home ownership for those over 65 would be at 65 per cent compared with about 80 per cent today. Young people: for your future and your children's, we cannot let that number drop further. To anyone who says, "I don't want to vote, I don't really care".
How privileged you are to live in such a decent country that you do not feel the need to care about politics. You comfortably have your rights and freedoms after people in the past fought and advocated tremendously hard for them. How ignorant and oblivious you are to not think that there is anything that needs changing in this country, or care enough to want the changes made.
The greatness of Australia cannot be maintained and continued by placing the wrong party in power. If you care about your future, that is all you should need to take voting seriously. Every electoral term develops this country.
Value your vote to protect Australia and her future. Daily Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.
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