AUKUS Pillar 1 won’t go anywhere without today’s young people. They’re the ones who will carry the decades-long program into action through industry and diplomacy. The Australian government had better get them on board.
This requires a communications plan that begins with finding out what they think: comments, questions and concerns. University and technical-college student bodies should be a focus.
The assertion that young people are sceptical of the prospect of nuclear-propelled submarines (SSNs) under the AUKUS partnership is not new. Polling finds lower levels of support from the 18-24 age group than from older people. These young critics believe AUKUS Pillar 1 will contribute to tensions and drive a dangerous arms race in the Indo-Pacific. The 2023 Lowy Institute Poll found that more young Australians believe Australia’s acquisition of SSNs will increase the risk of military conflict and regional instability (32.6 percent) than deter conflict and ensure stability (17.3 percent). Conversely, in all older age groups, more people believe the latter. Protests at the Australian National University (ANU) echo arguments of Australian ‘militarism’.
Some young critics argue that the government must first do more to tackle the rising cost of living, which directly affects student quality of life, rather than increasing defence spending. Anti-AUKUS posters seen at the ANU cite ‘Welfare, not warfare’, calling for the government to better address inflation. Only 17 percent of the 18–24 age group believe SSN-AUKUS is worth its estimated cost of $268 billion to $368 billion. Again, this approval rate steadily increases in older age groups.
The evidence that students cite in their criticisms reflect a general misunderstanding of the reasoning for AUKUS. The fault for this lies with the government in failing to be clear and transparent about the threats that Australia faces. But it isn’t too late.
So, what should the government do?
Greater awareness of Australia’s strategic environment among young people is needed, fostered through inclusive conversations and clear language on the purpose of AUKUS. The first step is to conduct large-scale focus group interviews and surveys nationwide, to assess students’ knowledge, misunderstandings and perceptions of AUKUS. By gauging understanding, the government can begin to inform their communication strategies and seek policy feedback. Using university channels such as online forum and announcement pages or mass emails would be a great place to start.
The next step is to work with universities to conduct town hall meetings. Creating a space for moderated dialogue between the government, academics and students will empower young people to feel a sense of urgency and responsibility for the future of national security. It will also create a more informed student body equipped to navigate the Australia’s strategic landscape. Explaining AUKUS in the university setting can dilute the complexity of its goals and make it more accessible to those studying a range of courses.
An action plan on communication is needed, and fast. Young people cannot be expected to support, and eventually deliver, an endeavour they know nothing about. The government should use digital platforms such as YouTube or Instagram. Short, informative videos or infographics can deliver AUKUS in a digestible and accessible way.
AUKUS dissent is part of a wider trend of young people’s disengagement from major-party policies. They feel like their voices aren’t being heard. Among voters aged 18-24, 28 percent voted for the Greens in the 2022 federal election, reflecting this trend. Young people move further towards the left each election cycle and prioritise policies on climate action and social equality.
Falling trust in government institutions is a global trend, worsened in Australia by major-party politics that don’t reflect the values of the young population. Fostering inclusivity in the AUKUS discussion is thus more crucial than ever.
By gathering university student insights, the government not only demonstrates a commitment to transparency and inclusivity but also enhances trust between policymakers and younger citizens. Ultimately, this feedback loop serves to promote informed public discourse, ensuring that policies such as AUKUS are effectively communicated and resonate with the values and concerns of the next generation of leaders.