The results show that young people feel more valued in smaller parties where the opportunity to get involved and make a difference is greater, says Democrats Victorian president Andrew Potter. It doesn't matter whether they are 14 or 24, their opinions are valued. He came of age as an activist when he was arrested during protests at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Young people not voting is not a real indication that they are not interested in politics or that they are not politically aware. Sarah Maddison, social commentator and Women's Electoral Lobby spokeswoman, agrees.
Young people are passionate about politics but a lot of the issues are less visible.
Like globalisation and the effects of global capital. But it's a problematic tag that gives rise to misconceptions, many say, and further alienates the young from the major parties that grow ever closer on economic policy. Many have full-time jobs and they're worrying about trying to pay the rent and get work when they finish. The excitement over Stott Despoja's ascendancy is palpable, especially among women. The change is exhilarating, says Cathy Sherry, a 30-something law lecturer at the University of New South Wales.