Young Melburnians talk about Australian politics, Liberal Party, ALP

Young Melburnians Speak: Challenges, Rewards, and Politics in a Polarised World

The Age recently brought together a diverse group of young Melburnians aged 19 to 29 to discuss their experiences, challenges, and perspectives on life in one of Australia’s most vibrant cities. Among them were an artist, an actor, a youth worker, and two university students working in construction and financial services. The group’s conversations revealed a mix of passion, frustration, and ambivalence toward politics, highlighting the complexities of growing up in a rapidly changing world. While issues like climate change, HECS debt, and Palestinian liberation sparked intense debate, only one member of the group, Jenson Galvin, expressed faith in the traditional two-party political system. Galvin, a 19-year-old Liberal Party member, argued that financial independence and economic stability were paramount, even as his peers criticized the system for being out of touch with their values.

The Two-Party System: A Divisive yet Dominant Force

Jenson Galvin’s unwavering support for the Liberal Party stood out in a group largely disillusioned with traditional politics. He ran as an independent in the Bayside Council elections, emphasizing local issues like curbing rate rises and reducing crime. However, his peers expressed skepticism about the two-party system, with many prioritizing individual policies over party loyalty. Ikram Mahamed, a 23-year-old public health graduate, captured the mood of the group when she said, “I don’t look at it just from a party-to-party basis … I look at it from a policy perspective.” Her disdain for Peter Dutton’s treatment of minority communities reflected a broader mistrust of politicians seen as self-interested. For Mia Boe, a 27-year-old artist, environmental concerns took precedence, leading her to support parties that prioritise the planet over profit.

Beyond Party Loyalty: Issues That Matter Most

Climate change, HECS debt, and Palestinian liberation emerged as key issues for the group, reflecting their desire for systemic change. Mia Boe expressed regret that climate change wasn’t discussed more, calling it a “point of no return” for future generations. Abdulmalik, a 27-year-old construction administrator, balanced a centrist outlook with concerns about Victorian Labor’s debt accumulation, advocating for fiscal responsibility. His commitment to meritocracy and community service, including running a soccer club for underprivileged children, highlighted the group’s focus on grassroots change. Meanwhile, Ikram Mahamed emphasized the importance of addressing multiple issues holistically, refusing to prioritise the economy over social justice.

Cynicism and Disillusionment: A Critique of Modern Politics

The group’s ambivalence toward traditional politics was palpable. Ryan Stewart, a 29-year-old queer, non-binary performance artist, summed up their cynicism, calling the two-party system “uninspiring” and criticising politicians for prioritising power over people. Stewart’s frustration with the tribalism and incompetence displayed in Parliament was shared by others, who saw elected officials as more focused on political point-scoring than solving real problems. Abdulmalik admitted to losing trust in politicians, citing their perceived self-interest and the corrupting influence of money in politics. Despite this disillusionment, the group remained passionate about societal issues, proving that their disengagement from the political system did not equate to apathy.

Common Ground and Hope in a Polarised World

One of the most striking aspects of the gathering was the common ground the group discovered despite their differing views. Ryan Stewart, initially dismissive of Jenson Galvin’s conservatism, found themselves agreeing with him on the importance of listening to the people. This moment of connection highlighted the value of dialogue in bridging divides. Ikram Mahamed reflected on the rarity of such conversations in everyday life, noting, “If we did have more of these sorts of conversations where we do get to hear different perspectives, different experiences, I think having that understanding is very, very important.” Mia Boe echoed this sentiment, calling for compassion and open-mindedness to combat growing social divisions.

A Generation’s Call to Action: Hope and Frustration

The evening ended on a hopeful note, with the group acknowledging the power of their collective voices. Jenson Galvin, still a staunch defender of the two-party system, reminded everyone that Australian democracy allows for respectful disagreement. Abdulmalik, while pessimistic about the political future, continued to advocate for meritocracy and community service. The group’s passion for issues like climate change, HECS debt, and Palestinian liberation underscored their commitment to creating a better world. As they parted ways, they carried with them a renewed appreciation for the power of dialogue and the importance of staying engaged, even in the face of systemic frustration. Their stories are a testament to the resilience and idealism of young Melburnians navigating a complex and ever-changing world.