‘I don’t even know what things are going to look like in the next five years’: young Australians on growing up in a world in crisis

Australia's young population is grappling with a complex web of interlinked challenges that experts describe as a "polycrisis." At the center of this multifaceted struggle are housing insecurity, limited employment opportunities, and the looming threat of climate change, issues that have become increasingly pressing for those under 25. According to a comprehensive five-year study conducted by the Monash Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice, these factors are not only intensifying but also reinforcing each other, creating a cycle of uncertainty that affects nearly every aspect of young Australians' lives. The study, based on data collected from over 2,700 individuals aged 18 to 24 since 2021, reveals that the demand for affordable housing has surged dramatically. In 2022, 60 percent of young participants identified housing as a critical issue requiring urgent action. By 2025, that figure had risen to 82 percent. Similarly, concerns about employment opportunities have grown, increasing from 48 percent in 2022 to 64 percent in 2025. While interest in addressing climate change has slightly decreased, from 47 percent in 2022 to 44 percent in 2025, many young people remain deeply concerned about the impact of climate change on their future. Sophie Blach, a 24-year-old student and part-time worker in Brisbane, exemplifies the struggles faced by many of her peers. Working full-time in retail and hospitality while pursuing her degree, she finds herself returning to her family home to save for a deposit on a property. Rising living costs have made saving difficult, making the dream of homeownership seem increasingly distant. "I feel like I'm doing everything you're told you're supposed to do," she said. "I'm working, I'm studying, I'm saving when I can. But I wouldn't say my goals feel in reach." Professor Lucas Walsh, the lead author of the study, emphasizes that the significance lies in how these issues intersect. "These are all embedded within the idea of a polycrisis, which involves overlapping independent events in crisis that intersect and amplify each other," he explained. The study began tracking young Australians at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering insights into how their lives and priorities have evolved over the past five years. Walsh described the pandemic as a "flash of light into more persistent problems," revealing underlying pressures that disproportionately affect young people. The challenges extend beyond individual experiences. Professor Wendy Stone of Swinburne University highlighted the systemic nature of the housing crisis. Secure housing is fundamental for young people to achieve independence, maintain employment, and build stable relationships. However, the current housing market fails to provide this stability, exacerbating other structural challenges. "The affordability problem compounds other parts of our system's structural challenges for young people," Stone noted. She argued that governments must view secure, affordable housing as an investment in the future of young Australians rather than a mere administrative hurdle. Financial stress remains pervasive among young Australians. Over 82 to 90 percent of participants in the study reported experiencing some level of financial difficulty each year. Family support continues to be the primary source of financial assistance, highlighting the reliance on familial networks in times of economic hardship. A 20-year-old from Queensland expressed concerns about the future, stating, "I’m just worried that it'll be harder for me to get a job from my course or whatever, or that if stuff like cost of living and everything keeps going up, no matter if I get a job, I wouldn’t be able to, like, stay on top of that." Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. The study indicates that young Australians' belief in their ability to create change has improved following the 2025 federal election. However, the road ahead remains uncertain, with many questioning whether their aspirations can be realized in a rapidly evolving landscape marked by economic, environmental, and social upheaval. As the polycrisis continues to unfold, the voices of young Australians underscore the urgency of addressing these intertwined issues to ensure a more stable and promising future.