Ms Nojoumian discussed the merits of lowering the voting age and the benefits that would come from increasing civic education.

Ms Nojoumian also discussed other aspects of the issue that should be considered if and when reform is implemented.

“There is a tension between voting being a compulsory activity or a voluntary activity for young people,” she explained.

“There was quite a lot of tension when the bill was presented in 2018, particularly between the Australian Labor Party and the Australian Greens.”

“After my paper was published, it was interesting to see that a bill was presented by the Australian Greens before Parliament saying that voting would be implemented as a compulsory activity — the Greens conceded on the point of it being voluntary and instead suggested the fines would be waived,” explained Ms Nojoumian.

“They decided that voting should be a compulsory activity, but if you are 16 or 17 and choose not to vote, your fine can be waived.

“This was a key point of tension regarding legislative change to the voting age.”

VIEW ALL

Ms Nojoumian also delved into why she has found it important to advocate on the issue.

“From my level as a university student, it’s really important to write about things you’re passionate about and interested in.

“I found it important for myself to research and provide an objective perspective and opinion on a matter by looking at the merits and demerits of the case,” she explained.

“In my essay, I came to the conclusion that even if a few young people who are passionate vote, that is better than them not having the opportunity to vote at all.”

Ms Nojoumian discussed the influential role that certain mentors had in guiding her on her path.

“Professor Paul Kildea, who was actually running the course at the time at UNSW, encouraged us in class to have active discussions about different areas of electoral reform.

“Professor Kildea also supervised my publishing of this research essay and provided a really great perspective towards pushing me and pushing my ideas perhaps when they weren’t the most objective,” she explained.

Ms Nojoumian discussed what she has enjoyed about law research.

“I really enjoyed the critical thinking element,” she said, “looking at the pros and cons and questioning things that had been unquestioned for a long period of time”.

Ms Nojoumian noted that during her research, she found in past interviews that researchers would say, “young people aren’t politically mature enough” or “they don’t know enough”.

“Questioning what has remained unquestioned — I found that a really fascinating part when writing this paper,” she maintained.

Ms Nojoumian discussed how law students and junior lawyers could get more involved with the issue.

“It’s important for law students and junior lawyers to be engaged with various types of media and continuously stay up to date.

“Most importantly, young people need to discuss with various members about different political issues that are going on,” she noted.

“Not just discussing with university professors or people you study with, but in your everyday life. That could be discussing with the barista that makes your coffee about things that affect them, or their perspectives on an issue.

“Be curious and be prepared to listen to what other people have to say.”

Ms Nojoumian noted that lawyers are uniquely placed to drive legal change.

“We advocate for justice, and we advocate for people — that’s our job, no matter what type of law you practise.

“We play a role in arguing for and shaping everyday policies that govern society,” Ms Nojoumian highlighted.

“We are privileged members in society to have an understanding of that higher level of law,” she explained. “We should use that privilege as a mouthpiece for people who can’t.

“I find that particularly applicable to young people as well, who want to have a say but don’t have the words to say it.”

The transcript of this podcast episode was slightly edited for publishing purposes. To listen to the full conversation with Niki Nojoumian, click below: