Young ‘losing trust in democracy’

The University of Western Australia says a loss of trust in the democratic system “is a very real threat” to society.

The submission warns “declining trust and engagement with Australia’s democracy may not be reversible in the absence of visionary leadership”.

The University of Western Australia says Australia must do better in teaching young people about “civics and citizenship,” warning that a loss of trust in the democratic system “is a very real threat” to society.

In its submission to a Senate inquiry on nationhood, national identity and democracy, the UWA says more resources must be made available for civics teachers and greater efforts must be made to support grassroots initiatives that promote civic engagement.

It also proposes that section 44(i) of the Constitution be repealed — a move that would allow dual citizens to serve in the parliament — and greater assistance be given to organisations that monitor “online hate speech”.

The submission — written by Farida Fozdar, Benjamin Reilly and Mark Beeson — warns that “declining trust and engagement with Australia’s democracy may not be reversible in the absence of visionary leadership”.

Citing 2017 research by Mon­ash University professor Andrew Markus, the UWA submission notes that only 11 per cent of 18-24-year-olds and 14 per cent of 25-34-year-old Australians say they are very interested in politics.

Only 10 per cent of 15-18-year-olds report they are occasionally or regularly engaged in conventional political activities, with the majority saying they feel “dis­engaged or disenchanted by ­traditional” politics despite a ­desire to be heard by the political establishment.

The submission says the “civics and citizenship” module should be given greater prominence within the Australian National Curriculum to “improve young people’s engagement and commitment”.

It notes only 20 hours need to be devoted annually to the teaching of the current civics and citizenship module, and the course needs to be overhauled.

“We would argue for an urgent reconsideration of the content of the civics and citizenship module of the Australian National Curriculum, including the quantity and range of resources available for teachers,” the submission says.

“The module also needs more time dedicated to it.”

The submission cites further research indicating that declining trust in government is more acute among those living in poor socio-economic conditions or struggling to get by. The manipulation of public opinion, the “self-interested focus” of the main political parties and perceptions of intergener­ational inequity are also identified as key factors.

“It makes sense to focus any ameliorative steps on young ­people, and on broader issues of intergenerational equity,” the UWA submission says.

“There is a strong sense among many young people that they are losers from a political process that privileges the interests of older voters and neglects younger ones.”

The problems posed by online communication are addressed, the submission saying online hate speech has the potential to polarise and dehumanise individuals.

It also proposes the creation of a new centre focused on migration and social cohesion similar to the Bureau of Immigration, Multicultural and Population Research, which was disestablished in 1996.