If you could tell the Prime Minister one thing, what would you say?
“Do more.” — Allanah, Albion
“The money is there. Stop fucking us over.” — Juliette, Albion
“Think about future generations and not just yourself.” — Mimi, Alderley
“Do your job.” — Michaela, Annerley
“Listen.” — Amber, Annerley
“You don’t have to fix any of these problems. But why don’t you want to?” — Evangeline, Annerley
“We feel hopeless.” — Cara, Ascot
“Stop being a fuckwit.” — Liam, Ascot
“We struggling, man.” — Grace, Auchenflower
“Everyone’s eyes are on you.” — Ella, Bardon
“Man up and listen to the young folks, not just the guys putting cash in your pockets.” — Lachlan, Bardon
“He is all talk and zero action.” — Genevieve, Boondall
“Listen to the youth. We’re scared.” — Jon, Booval
“Listen to us.” — Ally, Bowen Hills
“Do better.” — Jazmin, Brassall
“Stop turning the country into America's wannabe younger sibling.” — Emmi, Bridgeman Downs
“AUKUS won’t get Australians off the street.” — Jemma, Brisbane City
“Please for the love of anything holy, help us.” — Lanj, Brisbane City
“Treaty now.” — Madeleine, Brisbane City
“Free Palestine.” — Lucinda, Bulimba
“Get it together. No one can afford to live in this economy.” — Sarah, Caboolture
“Get your head out or your ass.” — Emmett, Camp Hill
“Please listen.” — Aidan, Camp Hill
“Lucky country? I'm not feeling too lucky right now.” — Luella, Carseldine
“You’re a joke.” — Emily, Chapel Hill
“Listen to us, don't tell us what we should think. People need help, not words.” — Tegan, Churchill
“Grow a pair and tax the gas companies.” — Will, Clayfield
“Please think long-term rather than just for the next election cycle.” — Rachel, Clayfield
“So many young people are struggling to see a future for themselves in this country.” — Olivia, Clayfield
“Listen to the youth who'll inherit your shitshow of a country.” — Isabella, Clontarf
“We're not getting a fair go.” — Lauren, Coorparoo
“I shouldn't have to work till I die just to have a mediocre life.” — Molly, Coorparoo
“This government was set up by rich white men and only benefits rich white men.” — Freja, Douglas
“You’re a sell out.” — Dillon, East Brisbane
“If you don't invest in Australia's young people then what will you build its future on? Who are you building it for?” — Siobhan, Enoggera
“Why run the country if you won't listen to its people?” — Zoe, Fig Tree Pocket
“He's doing okay and that's the problem. Okay is not good enough.” — Jacob, Fortitude Valley
“Don't you remember what it was like? We really thought you'd be different, Albo.” — Eloise, Gordon Park
“There's no planet B. Read that again.” — Saskia, Gordon Park
“Who have you helped since being elected besides yourself?” — Riley, Gordon Park
“Protect trans kids.” — Alana, Graceville
“His younger self would be deeply disappointed in him.” — Lana, Grange
“Lock in and do better for young people and the working class, then you might have a better legacy.” — TJ, Grange
“Listen to young people! Give us more power to come up with solutions to create a world we want to live in.” — Anna, Greenslopes
“It’s just not enough.” — Sky, Hamilton
“Please help us.” — Bella, Hawthorne
“Please help us. We are drowning and you have the facilities to fix this.” — Lee, Herston
“Do better.” — Jade, Highgate Hill
“Listen.” — Nicole, Highgate Hill
“Listen to the country you’re supposedly leading.” — Sam, Highgate Hill
“Go all in on something. Don't just half ass it or it won't get better.” — Hannah, Indooroopilly
“Remember what it was like to be in council housing? You were once like us yet you do not care.” — Faith, Kallangur
“More gas mining is not the path to renewable energy.” — Emma, Kedron
“I am going to make you pay. You will hear my voice.” — Sam, Keperra
“Please help those who live weekly below the poverty line barely surviving.” — Holly, Lawnton
“People are not just numbers or statistics. We matter and deserve a government that protects us. Do better.” — Morgan, Loganholme
“Come on now.” — Lauren, Lutwyche
“Your people are struggling. Please stop prioritising money and start prioritising humans.“ — Laura, Lutwyche
“I am embarrassed to be represented by you.” — Marceline, Milton
“You haven't done what you've promised. We're disappointed in your leadership. You’re essentially ScoMo Lite.” — Kate, Milton
“Forgetting us and focusing on big corps isn't going to help anyone in the future but the rich.” — Isobel, Milton
“Do better.” — Xia, Mitchelton
“Please listen to the people who need to inherit the damage you are causing. It's a matter of life and death.” — Ellie, Mitchelton
“Women are dying. Not enough is being done. Do better.” — Ffion, Molendinar
“There's too much talking and not enough action.” — Jane, Moorooka
“I thought we voted Morrison out but here he is with a brand new Albanese skin suit.” — Scout, Mount Gravatt East
“Your mother would be ashamed of you!” — Catt, Mount Gravatt East
“I wish you'd reflect on the kind of leader you would've wanted back when you were doing it tough.” — Isha, Murarrie
“Your actions speak so much louder than your words. You're a phoney. How dare you.” — Sarah, Murwillumbah
“Do better.” — Eden, New Farm
“Grow a bloody spine, mate.” — Geoff, New Farm
“Incrementalism is leaving people further and further behind. Be bold!” — Thomas, New Farm
“You are meant to take care of us. It's about time someone actually did.” — Elise, New Farm
“You're such a disappointment. Spineless and self interested. You've done nothing. You're doing nothing.” — Mikaela, New Farm
“I want a government that cares about people's wellbeing and not just keeping rich old people happy.” — Alana, Newmarket
“Please actually listen to us.” — Juniper, Newmarket
“Please listen to the Australian public and action our wishes.” — Sarah, Newmarket
“We're scared and we're angry. The government should be for the people, not against them.” — Ellie, Newmarket
“What's up, brother? When are you actually going to be making my future better?” — Alexis, Newmarket
“I just feel like the government doesn't care about young people and the issues we face.” — Chloe, Newstead
“The struggles now of my generation mean that being able to live a life like you have is a lot harder to achieve.” — Tomie, Newstead
“How is this giving us a 'fair go' when only those from generational wealth can afford housing.” — Zara, Newstead
“It's bloody grim to be a young person.” — Mon, Oxley
“Grow a backbone. You are doing nothing to improve the future of my generation.” — Lily, Paddington
“You’ve disappointed the whole country.” — Kaleb, Paddington
“I voted for you and I won't again.” — Chas, Red Hill
“Prime Minister or whoever, the rich won’t save you when the planet is burning.” — Jeni, Redbank
“Quit your job and give it to someone who cares.” — Abbey, Rivervale
“You have no idea what it's like to be staring down the barrel at a hopeless future with the walls closing in.” — Molly, South Brisbane
“I work at a supermarket and every shift I have customers and coworkers tell me how stressful it is to afford food.” — Rachael, Southport
“Anthony Albanese is everything we hoped he wouldn't be.” — Tay, Southport
“The way you treat the land has a direct impact on its people. We don’t own this land. It owns us.” — Caitlin, Spring Hill
“It's time for radical change.” — Ari, St Lucia
“Sometimes you need to work outside the system a little.” — Ned, Stafford Heights
“We had faith in you and you didn't deserve it.” — Sarah, Teneriffe
“It's time for change. We can't go on as we are.” — Emily, Toowong
“You were voted in because we thought you would help and you've been useless.” — Emma, Wamuran
“Stop screwing over young people and then patting yourself on the back. We expect and deserve more than crumbs.” — Jeremy, Warner
“What do you expect to happen when you don't listen to us?” — Tyler, Wavell Heights
“Do better.” — Mari, West End
“I'm disabled but have to walk up the flights of stairs to get to my apartment because it's all I could afford.” — Rani, Windsor
“I'm glad you're comfortable in your stable housing with your stable income. It’s fucked down here though. Help us!” — Michael, Windsor
“Moving further right won't win you government in the next election.” — Rosie, Windsor
“Everyone deserves to be educated, safe, fed and a roof over their heads.” — Rachael, Windsor
“Why do you hate us so much?” — Eloise, Windsor
“Young people are finding it hard to see hope in their futures. Listen to them and follow through.” — Ayla, Windsor
“People living on the street would create fairer policies than you.” — Angela, Windsor
“Me and my partner are going to move out of this country to find some place that treats the younger people right”. — Jordan, Wooloowin
“You have stepped into the shoes of the greatest threat to the future of young people and the planet.” — Josh, Zillmere
Generational inequity
“You are letting them get away with exploiting powerless everyday people and blaming the victims for not being prudent enough.” — Alex, Albion
“The youth of Australia are pleading for financial assistance but our needs aren't being met.” — Liam, Albion
“Fuck you "Mr Prime Minister". Young people are killing themselves working two plus jobs, cutting out basic necessities, suffering mentally from the stress of the cost of living crisis. I thought young people were meant to be the future? Stop making it impossible for us to survive.” — Courtney, Alexandra Headland
“People are having to choose between feeding themselves and paying rents or mortgages. Young Australians are paying so much in rent they aren't able to save for a mortgage.” — Jake, Ascot
“The "Australian Dream" doesn't exist any more. Young people will likely never own a home, this will roll over into issues with our generation getting older. How will we afford aged care if we have no home to sell to fund it?” — Zoe, Bardon
“Growing up I was taught that the government was there to support the people and ensure a good quality of life for everyone, yet each year that passes I find it harder and harder to keep up with bills, rent and I've had to sacrifice more and more, despite increasing hours at work.” — Patrick, Clayfield
“Simply living should not feel like a losing game. It should not feel like a never ending cycle that has and is only getting worse. You climbed out of this shit hole yourself, please help us do the same.” — Erynn, Fortitude Valley
“This will be the first generation to significantly leave the world a worse place and their children struggling in almost all fundamentally human ways. Time to do something.” — Holly, Fortitude Valley
“Do not leave us with a ruined economy and dying planet just because you won't be around to see it. Society's disregard for the future in favour of profit and greed is selfish and has doomed us young people.” — Sarina, Kangaroo Point
“Young people are the future of Australia. It's important to invest in that future so we don't have to worry so much about fixing the past and current government's mistakes. It's our future too.“ — Jess, Kenmore
“We have been left behind and everyone says that it's because we're lazy or "not willing to give up luxuries" but really we are existing in a system that was set up for people before us to prosper and rather than let everyone experience their opportunities, we have been kicked to the curb.” — Jamie, Keperra
“How dare you allow those in power, who are there because of the free education they received, force the next generation into a lifetime of debt for their education.” — Shania, South Brisbane
“Young people are struggling more than ever. Seems like the only way to establish yourself financially is through inheriting wealth.” — Ella, Teneriffe
“The young people of Australia are being forced to choose which of their most basic needs can be met. They're sacrificing food, shelter, education, health and safety. They are sacrificing these things because you cannot bring yourself to sacrifice your bottom line.” — Sariah, Underwood
“If you continue to silence and ignore the people, then good luck with the next voice of Australia. Young people are done with playing a game rigged against us, we won't remain silent. If you can't do what you were paid to do and make sure that everyone can have a fair go, then step down, and step aside.” — Brianna, Yeronga
The PM is out of touch
“Yes you worked while at uni, but you didn't do it in this economic climate. Working and studying is so difficult. Add on unpaid student placement where you are unable to work for an income, it is impossible to make ends meet.” — Chloe, Albion
“This isn't the world you were in in your 20s. Why do you want us to do things and pay for things you never had to?” — Maddison, Alderley
“Is "fuck you" a suitable answer? But seriously, I wish the PM would care about us. Why go into politics if you don't actually give a damn about the people you represent?” — Hadassah, Ashgrove
“We are grateful that you got Taylor Swift to come perform in Australia but can you focus on the real issues now? Young Australians are broke as fuck and we need help to do something about it from a government level since we can't make any more personal budget cuts.” — Mia, Auchenflower
“The younger generations are struggling. We have to choose between cooking a healthy meal or paying our bills. We have to choose between an education or living without crushing debt. Are our voices being heard?” — Mia, Bardon
“You're a spineless fake who preaches about being raised by a single mother in social housing whilst being so disconnected about what it's actually like for people in such circumstances. I don't like you very much and you have absolutely no morals in terms of your stances regarding violence against women, climate change and the genocide in Palestine. You're just a basic white man who has lost touch with reality and is only in it for corporate greed. Useless!” — Alexa, Bardon
“Once upon a time you and your mum struggled as much as we are struggling now. Why can't you help us like you wished you could help her back then?” — Sarcha, Bowen Hills
“You live a very different life to us. Live like the average out-of-home uni student for a few months.” — Riley, Chermside
“He needs to spend a day in the shoes of an everyday Australian and experience the relentless anxiety and dread we feel regarding the future of this country.” — Ellen, Clayfield
“Don't forget where you came from. Don't forget what Labor started out as. By the people, for the people.” — Brenna, Currumbin Waters
“Your whole campaign for PM was built on the phrase "no one will be left behind". But you have basically left everyone behind apart from the rich and big corporations. It's rough out here, so many people are struggling and it's clear you do not care.” — Gaby, Everton Hills
“I thought having Albo in charge would be a change for better than the Liberals, but I'm feeling just as — if not more — let down.” — Isabella, Ferny Grove
“People in Australia are suffering. These are your people. You work for them — and right now you're unlikely to stay employed.” — Afiyah, Graceville
“I've tried protesting, I've tried voting, I've tried youth advocacy groups and I'm tired. Tired of not being heard and tired of our people in power doing nothing.” — Gracie, Hamilton
“When you attack the Greens, you attack me. Why would I vote for you after what you said about me?” — Joshua, Hawthorne
“The Labor Party isn't the great party that it once was. Your government is a great disappointment.” — John, Highvale
“Please do the things you said you would do while running for prime minister. Stop lying about the change you want to make and actually make change.” — Georgia, Kedron
“You've swung so far right you're up LNP's ass. Tax the rich and start caring about your whole nation, not just the ones who line your pockets.” — Harri, Kelvin Grove
“How do you decide who to listen to? Sorry we can't donate to your party so you'll do what we want I guess. I'm tired of it. Sort it out loser.” — Gemma, Kenmore
“What is the point of a Prime Minister and a government when it takes the collective effort of a generation just to have our concerns heard? And just for them to not even address it except to get voters at the last minute. I just want real change and it's frustrating that you don't hear us.” — Matteo, Kenmore
“The system is broken. Either you fix it now, or face a wave of angry young people who will never vote Labor or Liberal again.” — Caroline, Keperra
“Please actually listen to the people you are directly affecting, not just the people in 'your bracket'.” — Madeline, Lutwyche
“What a tragic metamorphosis into a Prime Minister who rides for oil and gas corporations, wealthy shareholders and property investors. An opportunity to create a more compassionate and equitable society wasted. I hope the donations from Santos and Woodside were worth it.” — Laura, Lutwyche
“Why do you no longer care about the environment or immigrants when your entire political career and campaign has been in support of both these issues. Why would you rather act like LNP lite instead of your own party who makes distinct and long lasting changes to the country?” — Joshua, Ormiston
“You don't know what it's like to be a young, poor student who is piling on debt trying to ensure a stable future but may never be able to own a house due to that debt.” — LC, Oxley
“When you went to uni it was free, houses were affordable on an average wage and there weren't natural disasters every few months. Look at us now. You talk about giving everyone a fair go. What's fair about that?” — Rebecca, Sandgate
“You tell a story of your public housing living experience, but now its even impossible to get that. I'm having to make the choice of staying at uni and living in my car or dropping out and moving 600km back home to my parents.” — Sarah-Jane, St Lucia
“For someone who flaunts their working class origins, you have done nothing for the working class.” —- Reu, Stones Corner
“Listen and hear us, we're struggling whilst the rich become richer, hundreds of thousands of people are struggling to get a roof over their head in a "first world" country. Parents are struggling to feed their children, young people are deciding not to start a family all due to the cost of living and the rising climate crisis. This cannot continue! Do better!” — Sammy, Taringa
“Your experience of being a young person does not compare to ours. It is near impossible, and you are taking "the best years" of our lives away by filling them with anxiety over housing and food. If you are wondering why crime is going up, why homelessness is increasing, why suicide rates are increasing ask yourself if you would want to live with the pressure of being a poor young person at the moment. Ask yourself whether we are living, or merely just surviving due to our economy.” — Meg, Teneriffe
“Young people are actively telling you what they need and you are refusing to listen. Please start to listen to our lived experiences- it would make Australia a better place for all of us to live. This cost of living crisis is killing us.” — Cheyenne, The Gap
“It's the youth that care the most: we show it in the protests we are forced to do, in our passion for equality and love for humanity. Ask us: "Are we happy? Are we safe? Is this Australia one that we are proud to call home?" Stare us in the eyes and ask us this, and maybe you will see that we are giving up, losing faith, disheartened and in need of a voice. You are meant to be that voice, but you are failing.“ — Luke, Underwood
“Liberal and Labor - you are so far from reality, it's hard not to cringe. If I was to speak or act in a way you do to your colleagues, I would lose my job. The scandals coming out of Parliament feel like I'm watching some reality TV show popularity contest.” — Chloe Marie, Windsor
The future’s bleak
“As a young person, I feel like I have no future ahead of me. No one is talking about it. The future looks bleak, and I'm starting to check out emotionally.” — Angelique, Alderley
“As a young, queer woman, I have little hope for my future. Every day I am faced with crippling debt and cost of living, the threat of violence against women and the future of a deteriorating environment due to lack of climate action.” — Harper, Alderley
“As a young woman, I'm seeing so much in the media about how we aren't having enough children and the age at which we are getting later and later. How on earth am I supposed to feel comfortable doing this when there's so little financial support for mothers and no hope of me buying a house.” — Ellen, Ashgrove
“I want to live in a world where I am open to explore my options without worrying one misstep will throw me way behind all my peers in life.” — Catherine, Bowen Hills
“You may not care about the future you won't be alive to see, but the rest of us do. I want to be able to live to see the future.” — Jay, Bowen Hills
“The cost of living makes life almost unbearable for young people. There is no way for us to save up with the disparity between living costs and wages remaining stagnant, and no hope encouraging us to save with the ever increasing student loans and the housing market being completely unaffordable even as a long term dream.” — Kelsey, Brisbane City
“Every system in place right now is broken, no part of my life is easy to manage right now. The youths of today are struggling and it feels like nobody is listening when we tell you.” — Reanna, Camira
“I want a world I can bring children into without feeling guilty I’ve brought them into a burning fire.” — Bronte, Camp Hill
“We are suffering and we are scared. Young people do not see there's a future for them to aspire to at all. What goals and dreams we had seem so unattainable we don't want to bother trying at all.” — Jeremy, Carina Heights
“The world is burning and people are dying, you're either a part of the problem or a part of the solution.” — Sara Jane, Clayfield
“Young people aren't set up for the future. I have such little savings I'm now in debt to parents so I could fix my car to go to work. I'm so scared of any medical accidents or my pet getting injured as I can't afford to cover the costs or not work. It's really stressful right now living paycheque to paycheque.” — Nikki, Clayfield
“It's very hard to maintain hope of owning a home or starting a family with the daily stress of being unable to save in any meaningful way. I struggle to imagine what life will look like over the next several years.” — Andrew, Enoggera
“We feel we work so hard to try to achieve things that are consistently out of our reach, only to be told we need to work harder, do more, be better.” — Nadine, Fortitude Valley
“I honestly believe that he wouldn't care and nothing would change no matter what I would say.” — Nicola, Kelvin Grove
“We have nothing to aspire to. Promotions don't matter if you must work double hours for a piecemeal increase in salary. We feel like it's harder to enjoy free time. We feel like having kids is a death sentence.” – Kamron, Lutwyche
“We are in crisis and it's only getting worse! We are the future and we are barely scraping by and living paycheque to paycheque. This is not a life and this isn't living.” — Georgie, Morningside
“I feel like we're turning into America. Everyone is struggling. We need help. What's worse is that this crisis is distracting everyone from climate change and environmental issues. We need to do better for our country and our planet.” — Frankie, Norman Park
“Everyone I know who's also in uni is working part-time, studying full-time and cutting costs wherever possible just to live. The Centrelink money I do earn is so little because the government assumes I work enough to get by. In reality, I work so much and it just gets me by. It feels like this is a no win situation for young people.” — Hayang, Northgate
“I'm a nurse working in primary healthcare. But I can't afford to go to a doctor or have appropriate mental health support. My HECS debt is now more than when I originally started paying it back. Why should healthcare workers take care of you when you dont give a shit about us?” — Allysia, Nundah
“It just breaks my heart that we're putting so much money into failsafe recourses like defence and military when people are being so far left behind. I worry for the children I care for.” — Briana, Spring Hill
“I'm scared for my future. I work in a decent job as a social worker and work with Brisbane's most vulnerable families and young people. I can barely afford to live and save money let alone trying to support these families to escape poverty.” — Mary, Stafford
“I've spent my whole life watching people fight to survive and it's only getting worse. I would give anything to have the power to change it and yet you do nothing. do better or find someone who can.” — Ella, Tarragindi
Labor’s inaction
“Get your shit together. Start taking real meaningful action to help the future. Not these weak meaningless changes that will have no impact.” — Liam, Alderley
“I am incredibly disappointed in your actions while prime minister. I feel lied to that you were looking out for the average Australian because you have not at all.” — Madeleine, Alderley
“Screw you for making the rich richer and screwing over the young and the poor. Screw you for finding a genocide. Screw you for letting big corps destroy our planet. I was excited when you got elected and I had hoped that things might be better not under the Libs. You've been nothing but a disappointment.” — Sage, Bardon
“How am I supposed to survive and contribute to society when you aren't contributing to my own survival.” — Tash, Cannon Hill
“Stop taking corporate donations from the people that run this country — I'm talking about gas and oil companies like Santos — and listen to what the people of Australia actually want.” — Torey, Fortitude Valley
“I was hopeful when Labor got into power and I didn't blame them when they inherited the inevitable interest rate increases and the poor economic outlook due to the global market but the time for inoffensive policy to avoid bad press is over.” — Michael, Gordon Park
“You are forcing people my age into unsafe situations to avoid homelessness. You need to get a reality check and start providing affordable housing. You are killing young people.” — Gemma, Gordon Park
“The votes of Australia sent the message: we trust you to do better than those we voted out. We're still waiting for that.The hungry, the homeless, the jobless, the depressed and the struggling are still waiting for that. Queer people need your protection, women need your protection, Aboriginal people need your protection. Do better.” — Jennifer, Hamilton
“Please think of everyday Australians that are doing it tough. People that have to choose between living the life that fulfills them and brings them joy and working multiple jobs to pay rising rent and buy overpriced food.” — Sam, Lutwyche
“Australia has a huge role to play in the climate crisis and we are doing a shocking job of it. The amount of pandering that the Labour government is doing to destructive industries is truly sickening.” — Olivia, New Farm
“It's an uncertain time and we all seem to be uncertain about the leaders of this country. If they're actually doing anything at all.” — Herlana, New Farm
“Why are you dragging your feet with the climate crisis? Our planet is dying and funding it right yet our precious taxes are subsidising fossil fuels.” — Kath, North Melbourne
“The current attitude towards housing in Australia is unsustainable and is entrenching poverty and housing insecurity.” — Ana, Red Hill
“Why is the systematic devaluation of young peoples' labour enshrined in our laws? Why was I paid 30% less for the same work at 18 than I will be at 21? How can you say that you care about youth issues while simultaneously choking our livelihoods?” — Noreen, St Lucia
“Your government has been a disgrace and your party is hypocritical, destructive and unfocused. You disappoint me every day. We deserve better than you.” — Cal, Windsor
What do you think should be my priorities either nationally or locally?
“As a trans person, I'm finding it hard to afford the life saving treatment that I need to feel secure in myself.“ — Cody, Acacia Ridge
“This is not an attack, it's a cry for help. We know you can't solve everything at once or even at all but at least show us that you are listening and you are trying.” — Reanna, Camira
“I am seeing more and more people forced to move back in with their parents. Many of them are not lucky like me and don't have a good relationship with their family. Some have been forced to leave their job as their family lives in a remote area.” — Gemma, Gordon Park
“It's like putting out spot fires at the moment. It's fundamental underlying things that need to change. But right now all I can worry about is how I'll be able to keep paying rent and saving up to visit a doctor.” — Cassey, Kelvin Grove
“I care about other issues but it's hard when I'm constantly in anxiety over housing insecurity and feel locked out of buying a home. We need to have housing security to fight for our future.” — Ariel, Nundah
“Changing the ways the public can communicate with the government. Most young people aren't going to council hearings.” — Ned, Stafford Heights
“The common person is struggling mate and the people in charge don't care because our system is one that allows pollies to protect their self interests and move on afterward.” — Robert, Virginia
“We're on the brink of a total collapse if we don't fix food shortages and the housing market.” — Georgia, West End
Young people tell me they feel powerless to change politics. How can we change that together?
“We want to be heard but better still we need to see action.” — Gracecyn, Albion
“If we feel powerless and hopeless to change it, we won't try as hard so having that hope and belief that we can get there is important.” — Grace, Annerley
“Young people feel helpless screaming into the abyss of middle aged self-serving upper class white men who will never implement any of the changes we desperately seek because they are so far removed from the reality of the average Australian.” — Caitlin, Ascot
“Listen to the young people. There's a reason we protest.” — Tom, Ashgrove
“Politicians use such patronising language when talking about student activism or issues concerning young people. There feels like there is no empathy for the situation we are in.” — Daisy, Bardon
“Stop the corporations outvoting us simply because they have money and we don't.” — Lachlan, Bardon
“I just feel like we are so unheard and when we speak up about how hard it is and how defeated we feel it's like no one seems to care.” — Sage, Bardon
“I think if we saw actual change happening to the material things in our lives, then it might feel like the Australian politicians could be listening to us. But currently they aren't.” — Jacob, Bowen Hills
“Many Australians are unable to listen and dismiss these issues as not important just because many younger people care about them. I don't know what the answer is but I wish there was a way to break through to these people and keep talking about issues that are important to us so it becomes less stigmatised.” — Jade, Bracken Ridge
“The major parties need to keep losing seats to people who represent young voters.” — Ang, Brisbane City
“I would love to see you hold a mind map meeting once a month where you could have a set topic and we could meet with you for an hour and chill to music and discuss that month's chosen topic for change. Make it more interactive like a third place god knows we need that now. Even like a Stephen social club, cute.” — Tee, Brisbane City
“Listen to young people and take their concerns seriously instead of brushing them under the rug like older politicians have done.” — Erin, Brisbane City
“Every party just makes promises and once they're in, do whatever they want. All we have is to vote and hope they're not lying during election time. That needs to change.” — Bronte, Camp Hill
“You shouldn't dismiss us just because we are younger.” — Millie, Clayfield
“We need more Greenlanders.” — Rachel, Clayfield
“We are chronically online! Politicians must make their presence online.” — Jessica, Clayfield
“It feels impossible when the things we need to get started in life — affordable housing — would cause politicians themselves to lose money from investment properties.” — Amelia, Doolandella
“The old guys in parliament just fundamentally misunderstand what it is to be young and ordinary and poor.” — Niamh, Dutton Park
“I don't know. I'm tired now. I cared so much when I was 18 vs now at 24. I don't know how it can change.” — Sky, Hamilton
“The problem is that the government seems hesitant to support or direct money towards the issues that most directly effect young people. Why are we still listening to the older generations about climate change and the price of housing when the effects won't directly impact them?” — Nadia, Herston
“Listen to us instead of ignoring and thinking we are too young to understand.” — Erin, Highfields
“Youth wings of the political are so, so useful. However, memberships need to be cheaper and more accessible for young people.” — John, Highvale
“How can young people be expected to have the answers when no generation before us has? I know young people who throw their vote because politics is just too much to think about right now.” — Cassey, Kelvin Grove
“We need to see you fighting for us to believe that we can make change and that it's worth fighting for.” — Matteo, Kenmore
“It feels like a losing battle but will keep protesting and sharing posts on social media, calling out the government and eventually they will be forced to listen. The power is in the people.“ — Ripley, Marburg
“Listen to our voices. Work with us. Uplift us. Give us a platform.” — Keisha, Milton
“I think the old fashioned ways of communicating with politicians don't work any more. Young people don't have time to write letters or turn up to the BBQ you're hosting at the library. There needs to be online and accessible ways for us to make ourselves heard.” — Brendan, Moorooka
“I just want us to feel not just listened to but that what we are saying is actually impacting politics. Isn't that what politics is for?” — Ellie, Newmarket
“I've been emailing MPs and making petitions for years, and all that I have gained from that is knowledge of just how much labor and liberals don't give a fuck about issues that don't effect rich people.” — Ariel, Nundah
“I don’t feel represented in politics at all. I don’t know how to change that.” — Cailin, Pacific Pines
“Make us feel valued and important in political conversations. For so many years now politicians have spoken about people my age like we are stupid, frivolous and sensitive. I want to be respected and valued by my representatives.” — Lily, Paddington
“Thank you for reaching out and listening. I'm not much of a political person because it didn't seem like anyone wanted to listen to my opinion. This gives me hope that life ahead could get easier rather than harder. I am 28 and have never been asked for my opinion in a form I have time for and that is accessible to me personally.” — Hayden, Paddington
“I think a big part of powerlessness is feeling like we need to fix everything or ignore it because it's too stressful.” — Gemma, Petrie Terrace
“I think the media, big businesses and certain politicians want young people to feel powerless to change politics. I think young people are being misdirected towards social media as a way to create change. Get off social media and join your union and a political party. You're only powerless so long as you're silent and secluded.” — Ana, Red Hill
“Show young people how to get involved at their local branches as I reckon they only know about posting infographics on Instagram.” — Ruby, Red Hill
“We need to be heard. The only party I feel even wants to listen are the Greens. Liberal and Labor will only listen to their rich friends and the companies who are the highest bidder.” — Cal, Sunnybank Hills
“I think right now the main thing we need is to know that you are listening and we aren't fighting for nothing.” — Ella, Tarragindi
“We need to see more people like us in politics.” — Jemma, Wilston
“I'm so burnt out that my brain feels like it barely works anymore.” — Eloise, Windsor