Charlotte Walker, 21, is now the country’s youngest-ever senator after winning a seat in the Australian Capital Territory. Elected to represent South Australia, Walker was still celebrating her birthday on election night. This moment became a personal and political highpoint for her. She won the third position on the ballot. This accomplishment made her the sixth senator, a sign of her increasing power in Australian politics.
Walker has taken the best possible advantage of this. She understands that being a target is just a reality of the new political landscape. Among these criticisms was a remark from One Nation senator Pauline Hanson, who suggested that Walker was barely out of “nappies.” In addition, Walker reported being asked to “get back in the kitchen,” illustrating the misogyny that has not faded from political rhetoric.
Acknowledging Challenges
In her new role, Walker has been very candid about the struggle of being a young woman in politics.
I have to say that some of the comments have been extremely difficult, for sure an abundance of misogyny, Walker stated. During her remarks, she focused on the need to keep going during tough times.
“That’s hard to be said to me as a young woman, it’s the job,” she added. “All you can do is continue forward and know that you’re doing it for the right reasons.”
Walker, unfazed by the nasty rhetoric, is determined to keep up the fight for the young people she serves. “Quite frankly, it’s worth all the criticism. It can be hard, but I love it, truly,” she expressed.
Support from Predecessors
Walker draws inspiration from the women senators who have blazed a trail for younger women to enter the world of politics. She met with Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young and former senator Natasha Stott Despoja, both of whom were previously the youngest women elected by the Australian public.
They’ve actually both reached out to me, Walker added, emphasizing the need for ecosystems of support for emerging young politicians who are charting their careers.
Both Stott Despoja and Hanson-Young are huge fans of Walker’s moxie. They do marvel at how he took on such a huge role at such a young age. Their leadership serves as another reminder that younger voices can re-introduce important perspectives lacking from our government’s conversations today.
Strong Political Stance
Walker has engaged in direct exchanges with her peers, including a notable debate with Pauline Hanson regarding climate change policies.
“That’s her view. My view is that we’re seeing the effects of climate change and we need to be having conversations about why net zero is so important and why we need to be working towards a full transition to renewables,” Walker asserted during their exchange.
This commitment to environmental issues truly sets Walker apart as a visionary leader who understands the need to put first the issues that are most pressing to her generation.
