The Growing Up in Australia study, a federal government-run longitudinal survey tracking roughly 10,000 children and their families since 2004, has released new findings focusing on civic engagement and politics among young Australians. The latest data, collected in 2023–24, shows that housing affordability is the predominant source of anxiety for Generation Z, overshadowing concerns about climate change and employment.
Housing Affordability Tops Worries
Almost three-quarters of the 4,168 respondents (73%) reported feeling 'quite a bit' or 'very concerned' about being able to afford to buy a home. This far exceeds the next most common concerns: global economic problems (42%) and climate change (41%). Just under 40% were worried about finding a job in their chosen field. The study marks the first time the cohort was specifically asked about these issues, so trend comparisons are not yet possible, but the questions will be included in future surveys.
Deep Distrust in Institutions
The survey reveals a profound lack of trust in political and media institutions. Only 15% of respondents expressed 'a lot of trust' or 'some trust' in politicians and political parties, the same level as trust in news from social media. Trust in traditional news media was marginally higher at 18%. In contrast, hospitals (86%), scientists (75%), and police (66%) were the most trusted institutions. Just 11% believed the political system allows people to have a 'meaningful say' in government decisions, and 38% felt politics is too complicated to understand.
Active Civic Participation Despite Skepticism
Despite low trust, young Australians are actively engaged in public debate. Over 80% of 1,796 cohort members had signed an online petition about a government policy in the past five years, 31% had attended a protest or demonstration, nearly 60% had joined or followed a social media group campaigning on a social or political issue, and 45% had posted their views online. Lead author Dr. Ebony Biden stated, 'Young people have often been described as disengaged from civic life, but these findings show many are actively involved in ways that aren’t always expressed through what might be seen as traditional pathways.'
Policy Implications
The scale of housing anxiety validates the Albanese government's recent moves to wind back property investor tax concessions, aimed at helping young people enter the property market. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers framed these changes as necessary to build trust and address disillusionment with the political system, which they argued was pushing voters toward rightwing populist agendas like One Nation. The survey underscores the urgency of addressing housing affordability to restore faith in the political system among younger generations.
