WHY WE'RE PARTNERING WITH THE FOUNDATION FOR YOUNG AUSTRALIANS AND THE MAKE IT 16 CAMPAIGN TO LOWER THE VOTING AGE

WE’RE UP AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE, GROWING INEQUALITY, ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY AND MORE.

For our future's sake, we have to be open to new ways of thinking and rewrite the rules if we are to find solutions.

Unprecedented times call for unprecedented energy, creativity and optimism. Young people possess all of this and more. Protesting, questioning, petitioning, voting and showing up in every way they can.

YOUNG AUSTRALIANS ARE MISSING FROM OUR DEMOCRACY, THEY NEED TO BE SEEN AND HEARD.

We're partnering with the Foundation for Young Australians and the Make It 16 campaign, to lower the voting age to 16 for all people across Australia. We're calling on the Australian government to lower the voting age to 16 for all Australian elections, plebiscites and referendums.

For all our futures’ sake, we have to rewrite the rules. If you want to learn more, or already agree that young people should have a say in decisions that affect them, sign the Make It 16 petition now.

Sign the petition

WE DEMAND DEMOCRACY

Many other countries like Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Scotland and Wales have already lowered the voting age to 16, and New Zealand, Canada and Germany are following their lead. It’s now Australia’s turn.

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CHANGEMAKING PRODUCTS FOR CHANGEMAKING PEOPLE

BE BOLD AND SHOUT IT OUT LOUD

$5 from every Swipe It Moisturising Lip Balm sold* will be donated to Make It 16 Australia to support their campaign to lower the voting age.

Enriched with Community Fair Trade Shea Butter from Ghana, certified by The Vegan Society and in fully recyclable packaging – this pocket-sized balm showcases changemaking beauty at its best.

Funds will support Make It 16 in their movement to lower the voting age by providing wrap around campaign support, including all the training and tools they need to run a successful campaign.

*from August 15 – October 31 2023. Maximum donation $50,000.

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5 REASONS TO LOWER THE VOTING AGE TO 16:

Voter enrolment and turnout will increase, leading to higher political participation – helping the Australian Government to make more informed policy decisions.

They can join the armed forces, drive, consent to sex and medical procedures, leave school or home, pay rent, and work full time… why not vote?

16 and 17 year-olds can work and have to pay taxes if they earn enough, but don’t get a say on how those taxes are spent.

Many other countries including Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Malta, Scotland and Wales have already lowered the voting age to 16. New Zealand, Canada and Germany are following their lead. It’s our time to join them.

In 1973, the government lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, as 18 year-olds could join the armed forces and go to war, but couldn’t vote.

OUR GLOBAL CAMPAIGN PARTNERSHIP

We’ve always operated outside of the beauty industry, seeking change where
other brands saw risks. We are not afraid to challenge the status quo and to find the right solutions. This is not our first rodeo.

We’ve launched a global campaign to amplify youth voices in public life.

The UN Secretary-General has identified working with and for young people as one of the organisation’s top priorities. We’ll be working in partnership with the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth.

In partnership with The United Nations, we have launched a joint report, ‘Be Seen Be Heard: Understanding young people’s political participation’. The report is a snapshot at a critical moment to understand preconceptions and structural barriers preventing young people from participating in public life, along with recommendations to address these challenges.

Download our report