What matters to young people?
With the release of the 2026-27 Federal Budget in May, MYAN sought feedback from its Youth Council on the budget measures that matter most to young people and their hopes for the future. Through a survey and discussion, young people shared their perspectives on the budget’s priorities and the issues they believe require greater investment.
The findings showed that young people are engaged in conversations about the Federal Budget and want more opportunities to understand how government decisions affect their lives. 86% of MYAN’s Youth Council members had read or followed reporting, commentary, news coverage or statements about the budget. Despite this level of engagement, none of the respondents felt the budget was very easy to understand. While 57% said they understood some parts of the budget, 86% expressed a desire for clearer and more accessible information to help them engage more meaningfully with budget processes.
Youth Council members highlighted that the budget’s framing of home ownership as a primary indicator of success did not fully reflect the aspirations and realities of many young people. Instead, they emphasised the importance of wellbeing, stability, affordable living and meaningful employment as key markers of a successful future.
These perspectives reinforce the need for ongoing investment not only in home ownership, but also in mental health services, education, skills development and employment opportunities that support young people’s long-term wellbeing and economic security.
In reflecting on important areas of investment for multicultural young people, Youth Council members highlighted the need for initiatives that support long-term belonging and inclusion, culturally safe mental health services, and stronger action to address racism and discrimination. While 57% of respondents felt the budget addressed issues of intergenerational fairness and the challenges facing young people today, only 29% believed it adequately addressed settlement, multiculturalism and social cohesion.
“Young people are not a monolith. For many multicultural, migrant and refugee young people, housing stress is not abstract – it affects study, work, family responsibilities, safety, wellbeing and belonging. Many don’t have inherited wealth, a family property safety net, or the “bank of mum and dad.
So if the government changes housing investor tax concessions in the name of young people, the benefits should go back into housing security: social and affordable housing, renter support, youth homelessness services, Commonwealth Rent Assistance, income support, and culturally responsive settlement supports.”
These insights highlight that young people are looking beyond traditional economic measures when considering their futures. They want policies that recognise diverse pathways to success and invest in the conditions that enable all young people to thrive, including affordable living, secure work, mental wellbeing, inclusion and belonging.
Read MYAN’s 2026-27 Budget Media Release here