Reports

Young People in Public Leadership

Research report

Published 2024

Click to download

Where are the Young Women?

Research report

Published 2022

Click to download

Our recommendations.

  1. A timeline for implementation and funding of the recommendations contained in the Jenkins review;

  2. Political parties to create specific youth engagement strategies for their party membership;

  3. Implement media reporting standards for reporting on women, political figures, and people from marginalised backgrounds.

  4. Social media companies to agree to, and meaningfully implement, standards for content on their platforms;

  5. Political parties should create affirmative action measures around diverse participation.

  6. Media companies should set targets around elevating diverse voices and seeking opinions from diverse individuals.

Our results.

  • Only 13% of respondents felt that people like them are represented in politics

  • 35% of respondents would consider a career in politics

    • this was higher (45%) among those aged 20 or under (with 30% of those aged 21-30).

  • 87% of respondents felt that representations of women in politics by the media are mostly negative.

  • Given events and conversations from January 2021 to May 2022 (including Grace Tame being named Australia of the Year and Brittany Higgins’ allegations):

    • 83% were more likely to make an informed vote

    • 79% were more likely to sign petitions

    • 70% were more likely to attend protests or political rallies

  • However, 44% of respondents were less likely to pursue a career in politics (vs 23% who would be more likely).

    • This was more pronounced among those living with a disability (57% were less likely), and for those in their 20s (49%)

    • 37% are less likely to become a member of a political party (vs 21% who would be more likely)