Young Voters Demand Policies That Tackle Cost-of-Living Crisis and Climate Together
MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 16 April
Exclusive data reveals Gen Z and Millennials will reward parties that deliver bill-cutting climate solutions
New polling from YouGov reveals young Australians want climate policies that address their top concern: the cost-of-living crisis, and they will switch their vote to get it.
The data, released today by Solutions for Climate Australia and the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC), shows Gen Z and Millennials overwhelmingly support climate action that reduces household bills—with a majority willing to switch their vote to parties that back solutions like access to the benefits of rooftop solar for renters.
Key Findings:
Cost of living is the #1 issue for Gen Z and Millennials, but 79% of Gen Z and 73% of Millennials say climate action is important in determining who they will vote for at the federal election.
71% of Gen Z and 55% of Millennials would change their vote to support a party that helps renters access the benefits of rooftop solar and battery savings, a policy currently out of reach for many.
Young voters overwhelmingly prefer renewable energy (solar and wind with storage) over nuclear reactors or coal and gas by a 3-to-1 margin.
Grace Vegesana, National Director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, said:
“Right now, young people are struggling with rent, groceries, and energy bills - but they know climate inaction will only make things worse, especially as we face escalating climate impacts. This poll shows that young people are calling for solutions, like solar power for renters, that tackle both crises at once. With Gen Z and Millennials out-numbering Boomers for the first time at this election, parties that ignore young people will pay the price at the ballot box.”
Dr. Barry Traill, Director of Solutions for Climate Australia, said:
“This is a wake-up call for Australian politics. Young voters aren’t buying the false choice between cost-of-living and climate action. They want practical policies that cut bills and emissions—and they’re ready to vote accordingly. They are facing the consequences of decades of failed climate policy with worsening fires, floods and droughts in their future. They need policies that address hip-pocket issues and keep Australians safer into the future.
“When we asked an open-ended question about what Gen Z wants politicians to know about the lives of young people in Australia their message was very clear. Young Australians want leaders who will tackle climate change and economic inequality with urgency and not as separate issues, but as interconnected priorities shaping their future.
“”We are worried about how we will survive. We are worried about money, we are worried about having to fix problems we didn’t make to have a planet to live on," said one respondent. "We are deeply concerned about the future with the threats of climate change, extremism, global economies and influence of international politics - we don't want or need short term band aid solutions that are [only] good enough to see you through your lifetime,” added another.”
ENDS
Notes for editors:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1622 Australian citizens aged 18+. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28th March - 3rd April 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian voters 18+ by age, gender, location, education, income and past Federal election vote and 2023 Voice Referendum vote.
Media contact:
Tim Brunero 0405285547
For interviews:
Director of Solutions for Climate Australia Dr Barry Traill: 0448 793 334
National Director of Australian Youth Climate Coalition Grace Vegesana: 0416 942 034
