MATTHEW Allen is part of a new breed of young voters – aware, informed and keen to ensure his vote represents his considered view.
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In the lead-up to Saturday’s federal election the 19-year-old first-time voter was keen to hear from all political sides to ensure he voted for a party that he believed in.
"I listened to what each leader had to say and based my vote on what I think needs to happen for the country at that time,” Mr Allen said.
"My generation is free of party prejudice, I'm not a Labor or Liberal man. So, who I vote for can change depending on what the parties are presenting.”
Mr Allen said there were a number of federal issues that were of concern to him.
"As a young uni student, who has absolutely no money, I care about things like protecting Medicare and getting the NBN up and running. And all the talk about uni degrees costing $100,000 is a big worry,” he said.
"I also think my generation is more progressive, compassionate and environmentally aware and we want a more progressive government.
"We'd like to see more reasonable approaches to issues like refugees and same-sex marriage.
"Compared to other countries, I feel like we are behind on human rights issues.
"We want a government that reflects modern opinions, not leaders with outdated values.”
With the federal budget always a hot topic, Mr Allen had one simple piece of advice.
"Managing the budget should be a standard skill - anybody elected to run the country should be able to address that,” he said.
Mr Allen said it was good to “finally have a say” in Australia’s future.
"When you are 16 or 17 you have a fair idea of what you think is right, or not, for the country. And it can get a bit frustrating not being able to have an input,” he said.
"Even though it is only one vote, you have still stood up and told everyone what you believe in.”