Asylum seekers top youth election priority

Young Australians have listed asylum seekers as the biggest issue they want addressed this election, a survey has revealed.

A "Let Them Stay" rally held in front of Flinders St train station in Melbourne.

A "Let Them Stay" rally held in front of Flinders St train station in Melbourne. Source: AAP

Climate change and marriage equality are bigger priorities for young Australians than housing affordability and tax reform, research has revealed.

Asylum seekers was the biggest issue young people aged 12 to 25 want addressed, a survey of 3369 young people for Youth Action found.

"While young people are often sidelined from the political debate and accused of being apathetic, this research reveals that they are extremely passionate about being part of important national discussions and having a say on policies that directly impact their lives and the economic future of Australia," Youth Action chief executive Katie Acheson said.
Asylum seekers were a main priority for 21 per cent of those surveyed, compared with 19 per cent supporting marriage equality and 16 per cent wanting climate change addressed.

More affordable housing had the support of just six per cent, while only five per cent named education funding a top three priority.

When it came to parties most were undecided on who to support.

Of the one third who had decided, most supported the Greens (38 per cent) over Labor (34 per cent) and the Coalition (22 per cent).

"The majority of many young people don't see themselves as aligned to a particular political party or personality. Rather it is individual issues that they prioritise," Ms Acheson said.

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Published 9 June 2016 6:12am
Updated 9 June 2016 7:46am
Source: AAP


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