Almost three-quarters of young Australians are deeply concerned about being able to afford a home, according to the latest findings from the Growing Up in Australia study, which also reveals a profound distrust of politicians and media among Generation Z.
Housing tops list of anxieties
The study, published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, surveyed 4,168 young people aged 19–20 and 23–24. It found that 73% were 'quite a bit' or 'very much' concerned about housing affordability, far surpassing other issues. Global economic problems (42%) and climate change (41%) were the next most common anxieties, while just under 40% worried about finding a job in their chosen field.
Dr Ebony Biden, lead author of the study, said the findings challenge stereotypes of disengaged youth. 'Young people have often been described as disengaged from civic life, but these findings show many are actively involved in ways that aren't always expressed through what might be seen as traditional pathways,' she said.
Deep distrust in political system
Trust in institutions is alarmingly low. Only 15% of respondents expressed 'a lot' or 'some' trust in politicians and political parties—the same low level as trust in social media news. Traditional news media fared only slightly better at 18%. In contrast, hospitals (86%), scientists (75%), and police (66%) were the most trusted institutions.
Just 11% believed the political system allows people a 'meaningful say' in government decisions, while 38% found politics too complicated to understand. The scale of housing anxiety appears to validate the Albanese government's recent moves to wind back property investor tax concessions to help young buyers, a policy framed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers as necessary to rebuild trust and counter disillusionment pushing voters toward right-wing populism.
Active civic engagement despite scepticism
Despite low trust, young Australians are actively participating in public debate. Over 80% of the cohort had signed an online petition about a government policy in the past five years, 31% attended a protest or demonstration, nearly 60% joined or followed a social media campaign on a social or political issue, and 45% posted their views online.
The study tracked roughly 10,000 children and their families since 2004, surveying them every two years. This is the first time the cohort was asked about civic engagement and politics, so trend comparisons are not possible, but the questions will feature in future surveys.
