According to national data released by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority in February 2025, Aussie school students’ civic knowledge is the lowest it has been since testing began 20 years ago.

This follows a parliamentary report, which cited fears that young people are ‘poorly equipped’ to partake in Australian democracy. While people view this as concerning, young people themselves view it as not having a voice in the community.

Professor Philippa Collin, from the Institute for Culture and Society at the University of Western Sydney joined us on the line this morning to talk about this insightful topic.