Losing faith: new research shows young Australians have no confidence in either side of politics to tackle climate change

On the day the Liberal Party of Australia officially dumped its net zero climate policy, new research has found young Australians are losing hope that either side of politics will do what it takes to combat climate change.

Monash University yesterday released its annual Youth Barometer, based on a survey of 527 people and in-depth interviews with 30 Australians aged between 18 and 24.

One of the most alarming findings was that while climate change remains among the top three most important issues to young voters, the number of those who are confident it will be combatted in the future has plummeted 10 per cent in the past year.

Now, fewer than a quarter (24%) have faith in the nation’s political leaders to come up with policies for real action on climate change, down from 34% last year.

Co-author of the 2025 Australian Youth Barometer, Professor Lucas Walsh, said it was particularly concerning that some young people appeared to be losing hope.

“Young people know what’s coming and they’re worried,” Professor Walsh told ABC radio.

“They’re not feeling represented by politicians. The so-called adults ignore them.”

“It’s not tied to any particular party. They consistently feel as though their voices aren’t being heard.”

But it’s not all doom and gloom for young voters.

The federal election held on May 3 this year was the first in which Gen Z and Millennial voters outnumbered Baby Boomers in every state and territory. That trend is likely to continue.

Progressive politicians have reacted angrily to the Liberal decision on net zero, which has been widely reported as a betrayal of young Australians.

Zali Steggall, Independent MP for Warringah, described it as “reckless and a massive step backwards”.

“An overwhelming majority of Australians voters want real leadership on climate change – not denial and delay,” she said.

Despite the Coalition’s slim chances of forming government over the next six years, Wentworth Independent MP Allegra Spender insists today’s decision could have a global impact.

“We need concerted international action, but the Libs would reduce our chance to reduce global warming by influencing international action. The Coalition’s delayed climate action is just climate denial again,” she said.

Ahead of the Liberal Party announcement, Dr Sophie Scamps, Independent MP for Mackellar, appeared on breakfast television and declared dumping net zero would be “the death knell of the Liberal Party”.

“They’ve been led around by the nose by the likes of Barnaby Joyce and Gina Rinehart for way too long.”

“We have been facing climate change, which is the issue of our era, and the Liberal party and the Nats have failed to act now for 25 years. Not only have they failed to act, but they’ve also failed to lead, and they’ve obstructed action on this.”

Professor Walsh agreed with Dr Scamps’ assessment, describing the Liberal move as “political suicide”.

The Youth Barometer also found young people were losing hope of owning their own homes and experiencing long-term financial security.

79% believe they will be financially worse-off than their parents while fewer than half (42%) believe they will ever be able to buy a house.

Almost one in five (18%) reported that they’d experience food insecurity in the past year, most often due to a lack of money.

“Immediate support is needed to assist them in navigating education and work, including building on and expanding current systems such as Youth Allowance and Medicare, alongside long-term efforts to address housing affordability, cost of living, and genuine representation in Australian public life,” Youth Barometer co-author Dr Thuc Bao Huynh said.