High school students are protesting against One Nation. What’s the point if they can’t vote?

High school students across Australia are staging a nationwide walkout to protest against the One Nation party, led by Pauline Hanson. The demonstration, organized by the National Union of Students, is framed as a stand against racism and the far right, particularly in response to One Nation’s controversial stances on multiculturalism. Hundreds of students are expected to skip classes today, marking a rare and significant act of youth-led political engagement. While the protest underscores growing concern over racial discrimination and xenophobia, it has also sparked criticism from some lawmakers and media figures who argue that young people lack the maturity to engage in such activism. The backlash against the student protests mirrors past criticisms directed at the School Strike for Climate movement, where students were often portrayed as naive or influenced by adults. Liberal Senator Alex Antic questioned the rationale behind encouraging minors to participate in political demonstrations, suggesting that education should remain the priority. He argued that students need to be present in classrooms rather than engaging in actions outside their control. This sentiment reflects broader skepticism toward youth activism, particularly when it involves skipping school, a practice typically restricted to emergencies or exceptional circumstances. Despite these concerns, advocates for youth political involvement emphasize that young people possess a keen awareness of societal issues. Research conducted by scholars analyzing student submissions to the Whitlam Institute’s “What Matters?” competition reveals that high school students regularly express informed opinions on topics ranging from climate change to economic inequality and social justice. These findings challenge the notion that young people are incapable of meaningful political engagement. Instead, they highlight the desire among students to contribute to shaping the future, even in the absence of voting rights. Legal frameworks also support the argument that young people have a right to political participation. Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, children and adolescents are entitled to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as well as the right to participate in decisions affecting them. In Australia, elected officials represent the interests of all residents, including minors, and are held accountable to the entire population regardless of age. Yet, despite these legal protections, young people are frequently dismissed as “apprentice citizens”, individuals who are taught about democracy but not permitted to actively participate in it. This dynamic raises questions about the barriers preventing youth from fully engaging in democratic processes. One key issue is the current voting age of 18, which many researchers suggest should be lowered to 16. Additionally, young people face challenges in accessing legal systems, limiting their ability to challenge unjust policies or practices. Recent examples of successful youth-led legal campaigns, such as climate litigation efforts, demonstrate that greater access to the courts could empower younger generations to advocate for change more effectively. Meanwhile, the political landscape continues to shift, with One Nation gaining momentum. Following the resignation of Sussan Ley as Opposition leader, the party has seen increased visibility, with Pauline Hanson drawing attention for her rhetoric on multiculturalism and national identity. Her recent meetings with far-right activists and calls for a monocultural Australia have intensified debates about the role of race and immigration in Australian society. While some critics, including former Coalition leaders, argue that One Nation’s approach diverges sharply from Australia’s successful multicultural model, others see its rising popularity as a reflection of broader discontent with mainstream political narratives. As the student protests continue and the political discourse evolves, the debate over youth participation in governance will likely persist. Whether these demonstrations mark a turning point in how young Australians engage with politics remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the voices of students are increasingly demanding recognition in the national conversation.