Election 2013 youth survey - interest & enrolment

More than a million young Australians feel no political party best represents the needs of young people.

The Australia Institute's new survey of more than 800 respondents aged 17-25 found 47 per cent believe no party best represents them. 15 per cent of respondents said they were ‘disinterested’ in the upcoming election, while 30 per cent said they were ‘not really interested.’

The survey also found that 68 per cent of young Australians don’t know who their local Member of Parliament is and 59 per cent of those who are not enrolled to vote, don’t intend to. Just 18 per cent of respondents believe a positive meeting with their local member would influence their vote, while 34 per cent said media stories would have an impact. 22 per cent nominated political advertising as a factor which could sway their vote.

“This should act as a warning to our politicians that it’s time to release some policy that’s directed at young people because there are clearly plenty of votes to be won,” Executive Director of The Australia Institute Dr Richard Denniss said.