INTERVIEW: Australian youth identify cost of living as top concern in survey

Cost of living was the number one challenge identified by Australian youth surveyed by Mission Australia.

The proportion of young people nominating cost of living as a key concern increased from 31 per cent in 2023 to 64 per cent this year. Source: AAP

Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.

Mission Australia's annual youth survey has revealed the most important issue to young Australians.

More 17,000 people aged 14 to 19 took part in the survey's 24th edition.

For the second year in a row, cost of living was the top issue, with more than two thirds of respondents identifying it as a key concern.

Climate change, mental health and housing were also listed as key challenges.

Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister spoke to Edwina Guinan about the survey findings.