Voting to learn about politics

A PAUCITY of political education in Australian schools is contributing to poor voter registration among young people, a new report shows.
A study by the Australian Electoral Commission, released in the lead-up to ‘Enrol to Vote’ week, from July 27 to August 2, shows political knowledge and desire to vote is higher in independent and Catholic schools than public schools.
Despite compulsory voting in Australia, fewer than 60 per cent of 18-year-olds are on the electoral roll.
Overall, the participation rate among 18 to 25-year-olds nationwide is 81 per cent, meaning around 400,000 people in this age bracket do not exercise their right to vote in elections.
But at Lismore’s Trinity Catholic College, head of social sciences, Vicki Evans, said the Catholic system’s focus on social justice helped to engage students in the political process beyond the syllabus.
“By the time they get to Year 10, all of the students would have knowledge of our political system,” she said.
“Most of them are pretty well engaged.”
Mrs Evans said particularly during election campaigns, the students would come to school and ask questions, sparking debates about voting and politics.
The Youth Electoral Study report, released this week, found NSW was the only State in the country not to have a dedicated political studies course.
And specific government and politics subjects in other states were unpopular with pupils.
“Therefore, by the time students leave school, many are able to vote as they have reached 18 years, yet they are seriously underprepared for that task,” the report said.
Teachers’ style and the classroom environment were important to developing student interest in the political system, as was the role of parents, it found.
The report recommended taking school elections more seriously, encouraging parents to engage young people in the political process, and focusing more attention on creating interesting politics and government subjects in schools.