Independent MP Monique Ryan intends to introduce a Private Members’ Bill to Parliament today. This bill would make Australia the first country in the world to lower the voting age to 16. This Wildlife Crossings Collaborative effort is just one piece of a larger and rapidly growing movement. From there, it advocates to include more young Australians in the democratic process. With support from various political figures and organizations, the push seeks to enfranchise a significant demographic that is often considered overlooked in political discussions.
Amelia Condon-Cernovs, who began her advocacy at age 15 with the Foundation for Young Australians, has stressed that young people are not just future leaders but are already contributing significantly to society. Condon-Cernovs, now 18, reiterates the point that young Australians need to be heard in Australia’s democracy. Her message resonates deeply with Ryan’s initiative, because without political activism and mobilization from younger generations, we stand to lose everything.
The UK’s recent decision to lower its own voting age from 18 to 16 provides a helpful, though imperfect, precedent. Thanks to this change, about 1.6 million more young people will be able to make their voices heard during the next election cycle. Austria, Germany, and Brazil have already enacted similar measures. At the same time, Scotland has enfranchised 16-year-olds to vote in local elections. This movement to lower the voting age is part of a larger, worldwide trend towards inclusivity in the democratic process.
Historical Context of Voting Age in Australia
Australia’s voting age has not always been 18. Historically, the voting age was 21. About half a century back, it got as high as 21. Then in 1973, under the political pressures of the Vietnam War, it plummeted. This background inspires a lot of curiosity about the contemporary voting age. It sheds light on the socio-political changes occurring in our society towards youth inclusion in politics.
In 2018, Senator Jordon Steele-John introduced a Private Members bill to lower the voting age. However, it was challenged, mostly due to the prospect of introducing compulsory voting for 16 and 17-year-olds. Steele-John has indicated that parties are afraid that these changes could open up “Pandora’s box”, making any further electoral reform more difficult.
Ryan also notes that a parliamentary committee investigated this issue in 2018. Back then, Labor was on board with lowering the voting age. However, arguments remained on whether the enfranchisement of youths should be voluntary or mandatory. Ryan believes that if young people possess the cognitive and emotional maturity to vote, they should be given that opportunity.
“If we think 16- and 17-year-olds are fit to vote, that they have the cognitive and emotional maturity to do so … then they should vote.” – Monique Ryan
Current Political Climate and Perspectives
The political landscape surrounding this issue is equally complicated. The Greens currently hold the balance of power in the Senate, potentially offering leverage for discussions around lowering the voting age. Ryan’s initiative has garnered attention alongside Steele-John’s previous efforts, indicating a growing consensus among some lawmakers about the need for reform.
Dr. Jill Sheppard, an expert on voting behavior in federal elections, points out that parties are often hesitant to embrace such changes due to fears of unintended consequences. Sheppard argues that “Labor probably wouldn’t be any worse off if they allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to vote,” but acknowledges that apprehension about opening Pandora’s box remains a concern for government parties.
Condon-Cernovs resonates with these feelings, calling for a change in mindset about young people participating in politics. She eloquently argues that young people already are leaders and should be represented in decision-making processes that affect them.
“People say young people are our future leaders, but young people are the leaders now.” – Amelia Condon-Cernovs
The Case for Youth Engagement
Ryan’s proposal would be a first step towards lowering the voting age. It’s about giving young Australians a voice and a feeling of empowerment. She suggests that involving youth in the political process is an important step in developing them into active, informed citizens. Once they are empowered to actually cast a vote, they discover that their voices matter. This gives them the tools to shape the decisions that will affect their lives.
Lowering the voting age would help foster a culture of civic engagement in young Australians. Ryan suggests that enfranchising youth helps them understand the significance of political decisions.
“Get them feeling that the decisions that we make matter and that they have a voice in what happens in politics, and the best way to do that is to enfranchise them, to give them a vote.” – Monique Ryan
The very debates over punishment for young people who skip elections suggest a willingness to adopt more elastic methods. Some advocates suggest not enforcing fines for young voters who do not participate initially, allowing them time to adapt without facing undue pressure.
