Young people aren't sick of politics. Well maybe some are - but most are just sick of inaction.
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Have a conversation with an 18 - 24 year-old and you'll hear that they want change, they're just unsure of who can give it.
And when politicians can't seem to keep a promise or even hold their job for a full term, how can you blame them?
Climate change is arguably the most important issue impacting the way young people vote in this election. But even with that as a clear priority, it's just not that simple.
Labor is evidently aiming higher when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing renewables.
The Liberals are approaching this more conservatively but they're still taking action. The Greens, they're offering 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Even as an optimistic young person, that last one just seems unrealistic, especially when coal is still one of Australia's most valuable exports.
So back to the two major parties - Labor is the clear winner on climate change policy. But are they really?
When Bill Shorten is actually questioned on how they're going to achieve those promises, he can't actually answer the question.
It almost seems as if he's throwing out numbers higher than the Liberal party to buy votes and can't back it up with anything concrete.
Although voting for Liberal seems like a sell-out if climate change is really that important to a young person.
How are we expected to know what's going on when some politicians don't even understand the ins-and-outs of their own policies?
Not everything's black and white. We do care. The turbulent nature of politics just makes it hard to stay focused.
By CSU second-year Communications (Journalism and International studies) student Xanthe Gregory.
Your voice
Are you a young person with an opinion to share? Will you be voting for the first time this federal election? We'd love to hear from you about what issues matter to you the most. Email the editor at john.hanscombe@fairfaxmedia.com.au with your contact details or with a submission of no more than 300 words to be considered for publication. Submissions from members of political parties must be clearly identified as such.
