Young women and gender-diverse voters prioritise housing but feel overlooked in policy debates
A growing number of young women and gender-diverse voters are identifying housing affordability as a key concern ahead of the federal election on May 3, but many are expressing frustration over the major political parties’ failure to address their needs.
A survey of 1,059 voters aged 18 to 34 in marginal electorates found that housing, homelessness services, and domestic violence support were top priorities for this demographic. The study, commissioned by YWCA Australia, marks the first national poll focusing exclusively on young women and gender-diverse individuals.
Millennials and Gen Z voters — who are set to outnumber older generations at the upcoming election — are turning away from traditional political parties, with many indicating they will cast their vote based on housing policies. Nearly 65% of those surveyed said housing would influence how they vote, and almost 80% were inclined to support a party that pledged to expand access to safe, affordable housing, particularly for women, gender-diverse people, and families.
YWCA’s general manager of advocacy and external affairs, Kate Whittle (pictured above), said more than one-third of respondents were experiencing or worried about homelessness.
“Most of the young women we surveyed have experienced that challenge of finding homes that are safe and affordable,” she said. “We know that young voters, especially women and gender-diverse people, are sending a clear message that they will vote on housing – politicians ignore this at their peril.”
Confidence in government support was also low, with nearly half of young women surveyed doubting they could access public housing assistance if needed. Among renters, three in five had faced eviction threats, rent hikes, or discrimination.
In its report featuring the results of the survey, YWCA also highlighted the specific vulnerabilities faced by trans and gender-diverse renters, many of whom said they did not feel safe disclosing their gender identity to landlords due to fears of negative treatment.
While housing has become a central topic in the election campaign — with both major parties promising billions in housing support, especially for first-home buyers — young voters feel sidelined from the conversation. More than 40% of respondents said their views were not adequately represented in housing and homelessness policymaking.
A separate report from Mortgage Choice found strong voter support for government action on housing, with affordability, supply, first-home buyer support, rent control, and tax breaks for investors ranked as key concerns.
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