In May 2025, Charlotte Walker made history as Australia’s youngest senator, assuming office on her 21st birthday. Her unexpected victory in South Australia, securing Labor’s third Senate seat, marks a significant shift in the political landscape. In her inaugural speech in August 2025, Walker addressed pressing issues such as housing affordability, generational inequity, domestic violence, youth mental health, and climate change—challenges that resonate deeply with young Australians.
As Walker embarks on her political journey, the New South Wales (NSW) government is also taking steps to integrate youth perspectives into governance. The Minns Government recently implemented legislation mandating youth board positions across six prominent cultural institutions, including the Sydney Opera House and the Art Gallery of NSW. This initiative is not merely symbolic; it signals a critical movement towards genuine representation in decision-making bodies.
The necessity for boards and institutions to reflect the realities faced by younger generations is becoming increasingly apparent. Young people today grapple with issues such as climate anxiety, digital disruption, and housing stress. While youth advisory committees often serve as a platform for engagement, they can fall short of providing true inclusion. The requirement for young directors in NSW serves as a powerful example of how effective governance can be transformed through genuine engagement.
Directors occupy pivotal roles that influence the lives of Australians daily. For instance, boards in the mining sector shape the country’s export strategies, while community housing boards determine access to affordable accommodation. Decisions made by energy company boards can influence electricity pricing and the pace of renewable energy transitions, impacting every household and business.
The ramifications of governance failures are stark. Poor risk management, as evidenced by the collapse of Dixon Advisory, can erode retirement savings. Additionally, unresolved claims from climate-related damages continue to affect communities, as seen in the aftermath of the 2022 Lismore floods. Governance lapses have resulted in destroyed sacred sites and significant data breaches, highlighting the critical need for effective oversight.
Conversely, effective governance nurtures public trust and promotes economic prosperity. Research from UNSW Business School Professor Ronald Masulis indicates that companies with older independent directors often exhibit lower engagement levels, poorer decision-making, and diminished performance. Currently, the average director in the ASX 300 is 61 years old, with nearly 88 percent over 50. In the not-for-profit sector, 68 percent of board members exceed 50 years of age, with over a quarter being above 65.
This demographic homogeneity can lead to groupthink and disconnection from the communities these boards serve. As Lucy Turnbull, former Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission, stated, “The more diversity you have at the table, the less likely you are to go down the rabbit hole of groupthink.” Young leaders bring fresh perspectives and skills that enhance risk management, strategic decision-making, and innovation.
Despite their potential, young individuals face numerous barriers to entering governance roles. Often perceived as lacking “relevant” experience, they struggle to make connections in the field. Furthermore, governance training can be prohibitively expensive, with costs reaching thousands of dollars. Many positions in the not-for-profit sector remain voluntary, presenting additional financial challenges for those interested in governance.
To cultivate the leaders of tomorrow, a concerted effort is needed to create pathways for young people into governance. This initiative should extend beyond the arts and cultural sectors, permeating all areas of governance. Every board should be asking: where are our young people in governance? Addressing this question is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and effective governance landscape that reflects the needs and aspirations of all Australians.
