Changing Australia: Caitlin Figueiredo and building the youth leaders of tomorrow

Caitlin Figueredo, former chair of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition and co-creator of the Girls' Take on Parliament program, joins Radio National Breakfast to discuss her lifelong passion for youth and women's political engagement. Drawing from her multicultural background and early exposure to politics during the 2007 election, she reflects on how policy decisions shaped her family’s journey to Australia and fueled her belief in politics as a transformative force. She shares the origins and impact of Girls' Take on Parliament—a nonpartisan initiative that empowered young women aged 12–18 by placing them in real parliamentary roles, training them in policy and media, and connecting them directly with political leaders. Despite its closure in 2022 due to funding challenges, the program's legacy lives on through alumni and its adaptation in Pacific nations and Trinidad and Tobago. Figueredo also addresses the barriers young people—especially women—face in politics, including harassment and systemic exclusion, and emphasizes the need for diverse representation to transform parliamentary culture. She highlights that young Australians are deeply concerned about the cost of living, housing, climate change, and democratic disillusionment, calling for long-term, values-driven policymaking. While she remains open to running for office, she stresses the importance of systemic change before entering politics. The episode underscores the critical need for inclusive civic engagement and institutional support for youth voices. Key takeaways include: 1) Early exposure to politics can ignite lifelong civic engagement; 2) Programs like Girls' Take on Parliament prove that giving young people real agency improves their trust in democracy; 3) Systemic barriers—especially for women and marginalized youth—must be addressed through intentional outreach and inclusive design; 4) Young people are not just concerned about immediate crises but demand visionary, intergenerational leadership; 5) Diversity in politics is not just about representation but about transforming culture and policy. The overall tone is hopeful and forward-looking, rooted in tangible action and community-driven change.