Charlotte Walker, Australia’s youngest senator at 21, has flipped a tired stereotype on its head: Deborah Knight | Opinion

A criticism often levelled at younger generations – and it’s been the case across the generations, not just for the current crop – is that they’re lazy and afraid of hard work.  

Not enough get-up and go or drive, and expecting all the trappings of life to be hand-delivered on a silver platter.

But, like the stereotype of older people being conservative and unwilling to embrace change, it doesn’t always ring true.

That’s certainly the case for Charlotte Walker, who has now been confirmed as Australia’s youngest-ever senator. 

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On election night, as the shock of Labor’s stunning election win was starting to sink in, Charlotte had another reason to celebrate.

She was blowing out the candles on her 21st birthday cake. 

Now, the young woman who is not long out of high school is preparing for Senate school in Canberra to learn the parliamentary ropes with the rest of the election winning newbies.

Charlotte was this week officially declared a Labor senator for South Australia as the final votes were counted, unexpectedly claiming a sixth spot in the Upper House for the Government.

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She admits she has a lot to learn, but says her youth will bring a fresh perspective to the halls of Canberra, which is likely needed considering the median age of Federal politicians is 50. 

They’ll now be her colleagues, but most are old enough to be her parents, and it’s crucial young people have a seat at the table to frame the policies that will shape their future. 

You won’t recognise these politicians in their younger days

When fellow South Australian Natasha Stott Despoja was appointed to the Senate for the Democrats back in 1995 she was, at the time, at 26 years old, the youngest woman in Federal Parliament.

Media coverage at the time honed in on the Doc Martin-wearing young woman who had big ideas. Stott Despoja was raised by a single mother who was deaf, so was literally taught to speak up. 

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The Parliament she entered 30 years ago is very different to today.

Then, there were just 18 women in the Senate. Now, with counting still to be finalised, women are expected to hold more than 44 of the 76 seats, far outnumbering the men.

When Stott Despoja had a baby during her time as a Senator, there was no childcare available in the Federal Parliament. Now there is. 

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Young women like Natasha Stott Despoja forged a path for young women like Charlotte Walker, who says she hopes to inspire other young people, particularly women.

And she hopes to bring a different perspective, which should be embraced by her party and parliamentary colleagues.

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