As the federal election approaches, policymakers must listen, invest, and take action to support young Australians facing rising costs, housing insecurity, and limited education opportunities. The recently published Youth in Focus report by Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre Youth in Focus: Navigating wellbeing in a changing world - BCEC highlights worsening financial pressures and declining trust in political institutions. Discrimination, racism, and gender bias further limit opportunities, making it harder for young people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, to find stability.
Youth Futures WA is a not-for-profit organisation that supports young people, typically aged between 14 and 19, who are facing these pressures. For 40 years, the dedicated team of educators, housing specialists, and counsellors has helped at-risk youth navigate homelessness, financial hardship, and barriers to education, secure housing, and employment in Western Australia.
CEO Michelle Jenkins says, “2025 marks our 40th year as an organisation and the harsh reality is we’re seeing record numbers of young people seeking crisis accommodation.” Michelle believes this is in part due to a sharp drop in public housing availability and rising family violence cases. “Our communities desperately need more affordable housing and better support for young people. I worry for the younger generations who are not being given the opportunity to be their best selves as a result of the economic situation, which has a knock-on effect down the line."
Michelle says the organisation’s housing teams are seeing more young people returning to crisis centres as they cannot cope in their longer-term accommodation, and many are avoiding basic needs to make ends meet.
Youth Futures' Homelessness Manager Rachael, says "Young Australians deserve better and we call on our state and federal government leaders to launch policy that makes for real change.”
In Youth Futures’ schools, the challenge often lies in students' ability to attend and stay engaged in their education. Principal Paul Jones believes more government funding for education will have a major positive impact on future employment opportunities for Western Australia’s marginalised young people.
"Accessible education is essential to empowering young Australians, yet rising costs, student debt, and resource shortages are limiting opportunities. To build a more equitable system, policymakers must reduce financial barriers, expand scholarships, and support students from diverse backgrounds. Investing in education ensures all young people can reach their potential and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive society.”
Not-for-profits like Youth Futures continue to provide critical crisis accommodation, education support, and mental health services, but demand is outpacing resources and without strong government action, more young Australians will be left behind. As the Bankwest Youth Focus Report concludes, it's time for clear and strong government policies that prioritise stable housing, accessible education, and employment opportunities that support all young people to build secure and successful futures, regardless of their circumstances.