‘I don’t even know what things are going to look like in the next five years’: young Australians on growing up in a world in crisis

The Australian Youth Barometer, a nationwide survey conducted over five years, has revealed the top concerns of young Australians aged 18-24. The recurring issues include affordable housing, employment opportunities for the youth, and climate change. Despite signs of recovery in some areas, deep-rooted challenges persist across multiple domains, reflecting the concept of a "polycrisis."

This term describes the convergence of overlapping crises, where each one exacerbates the others, leading to unpredictable and compounded effects. The survey, comprising 2,700 responses and 150 interviews, tracked the challenges faced by young Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

While there has been some improvement in mental health issues, young people still experience some of the highest rates of mental ill-health in Australia. The labour market has been particularly challenging for young people, with many facing insecure work, casual employment, and the "employment scarring" effect. This can negatively impact long-term employment prospects, earnings, wellbeing, and life decisions such as starting a family.

Financial stress is also widespread, affecting 82-90% of young people each year. Family remains the primary source of financial support, but concerns about cost of living pressures and the ability to save regularly have increased.

The survey found that fewer young people can save regularly (dropping from 49% to 43%), and confidence in achieving financial security has declined from 53% to 46%. Similarly, the belief in being able to afford a comfortable home within a year dropped from 46% to 30%. Despite these concerns, climate change continues to be a significant issue for young Australians, ranking as the third most important issue, albeit with a decrease in belief that it will be effectively addressed (from 44% in 2025 to the current 24%).

Looking ahead, young Australians consistently identify affordable housing, employment opportunities, and climate change as the top three immediate concerns. These issues are interconnected, and young people are acutely aware of the escalating climate change and geopolitical instability. Many have navigated a polycrisis since the 2007-09 global financial crisis, and they are now entering a world of even greater uncertainty.

The pandemic may seem distant, but the horizon appears more uncertain, with policymakers needing to understand and address the interconnected pressures young people face.