The environment, equity and discrimination and mental health topped the issues young people in Victoria want Australia to address, according to data from Mission Australia’s Youth Survey Report 2022.
Mission Australia’s Youth Survey Report 2022 collates the responses of 5097 young people aged 15-19 in Victoria between April and August 2022, and has revealed the biggest concerns for young people in Victoria.
More than half of Victoria’s respondents identified the environment as an issue of concern, with over one quarter (27.5 per cent) extremely concerned or very concerned about climate change.
“The looming threat of climate change and the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters is clearly hurting Australia’s young people,” Mission Australia state director Nada Nasser said.
“They want more action.”
One in 20 young people reported they could not afford bills or car expenses in the last year, five and a half per cent declared they had sought financial help from family, friends or charity, and nearly one in 10 were worried about having a safe place to stay.
“Building enough new social and affordable homes and adequately increasing income supports like JobSeeker and Youth Allowance would help families afford life’s essentials and a safe, secure home,” Ms Nasser said.
The majority of respondents (87.6 per cent) declared they were studying full-time; just over half (52.2 per cent) stated they were employed, and 53.6 per cent said they felt in control of their lives.
“Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2022 shows there is much to celebrate about young people’s experiences, and many are faring well,” Ms Nasser said.
“But more must be done to ensure young people are properly supported as they transition to adulthood.
“Young people have the answers,” she said.
“We must listen, ensure young people are included in decision-making processes, and act now so they can access the opportunities and supports they need to thrive.”
