The federal election is now just weeks away and for young people concerned about climate action, this one is make or break.
More than three in four young Australians are concerned about climate change, while two-thirds say climate concerns are having a negative impact on youth mental health.
It also isn’t surprising to note that government inaction on climate was the most frequently identified factor impacting youth mental health. So what can young people do about it?
For the co-founders of Project Planet, Tegan Lerm and Lizzie Hedding, getting informed about the power of the upcoming chance to vote is one of the best things young people can do to fight the climate crisis.
To support young Aussies do just that, they’ve developed a tool called Build A Ballot that’s helping voters to understand how candidates and parties are approaching the issues they care about most.
It’s about cutting through the slogans and misinformation and gettting informed before May 3.
Below, we speak to Tegan Lerm about Build A Ballot and how we can use it to drive political action on the climate crisis.
What’s the thinking behind Build A Ballot?
Australians care deeply about issues like climate change, housing, and the cost of living — but turning that concern into an informed vote isn’t always straightforward. With political literacy at an all-time low and misinformation on the rise, we created Build a Ballot to cut through the noise.
It helps voters understand exactly where parties and candidates stand on the issues that matter most to them and plan their vote accordingly. That way, they can head to the ballot box prepared, confident they’re preferencing candidates who reflect their values.
Why is it so important for young people to be engaging with their local communities this election?
This election isn’t just about choosing Australia’s next federal government — it’s about shaping the future of your community. The leaders we elect will make decisions that impact our everyday lives, from climate action and housing to education and healthcare.
But real change happens when young people don’t just vote — they get involved. That could mean sharing info on social media about candidates who reflect your values, volunteering for a campaign, or starting political conversations in your group chats. It could mean showing up to local events, asking questions, and making sure politicians know that young people are paying attention.
Young voters are a growing force, and when we show up, we set the agenda. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. And together, we have the power to create the future we want to see.
What is the best thing a young person concerned about climate change can do to make a difference before the federal election?
First, I want to emphasise that young people can make a difference. By May, young Australians will make up nearly 50% of the electorate. But that influence only matters if we use it. Political parties pay attention to the demographics that engage — when young people show up, speak out, and vote with intention, they drive change.
The first step is to know the policies of the candidates running in your electorate so you can preference those who will take real action on climate (Build a Ballot can help with this).
The next step is to talk about it. If you’re a young person reading this, start conversations — with your friends, family, co-workers, and run-club mates. Literally anyone. When deciding who to vote for, people trust their inner circle more than any other source of information. That’s why it’s so important to start those conversations now!