Charlotte Walker: Australia’s Youngest Senator

Section Editor Chantelle Mackintosh covers Charlotte Walker’s historic election result while discussing what this generational shift means for Australia’s future. 

Please note: this article was written in August 2025, shortly after Walker officially joined the Senate

Every birthday is a day of celebration, and Charlotte Walker’s 21st was no different. Celebrating not just her birthday, but her victory in Australia’s 2025 election, earning her a spot in history as Australia’s youngest senator, and the first Federal politician born in the 2000s.

On 3 May 2025, Walker secured the third spot on Labor’s Senate ticket for South Australia, a typically hard-to-get spot. The 2025 election had a strong swing towards Labor, helping Walker secure her position. In doing so, she broke the record for youngest senator, beating Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John who was 23 when he was elected in 2017.

Despite her youth, Walker has a long-standing interest in politics. While in highschool, she joined the South Australian Young Labor party and worked her way up to presidency. She also worked for the Australian Services Union as an Engagement Officer. On graduating high-school, she was recruited by South Australia’s State MP, Leon Bignell, to work in his electorate office. This is all to say, despite her youth, Walker has extensive experience with the Labor party and professional politics. 

In joining the party, Walker has been outspoken on issues impacting younger Australians, including: access to education, rising HECS debts and the ever-growing cost-of-living crisis. Walker is the only Senator born in the 2000s, which speaks to the Australian government's inattention to young people and particularly young voters. Walker is a breath of fresh air for the Parliament and voters alike, through her candid nature. Aside from her actions in Parliament, Walker has an active social media presence. Between political posts, Walker interacts online like a normal 21-year-old, holding Minecraft streams and “Get Ready With Me” videos, all while talking about political issues. By merely being active on social media, Walker is reaching thousands of young voters and starting an authentic connection with them. 

In addition to her candour online, in her first Senate speech, Walker highlighted some of the personal challenges that could’ve prevented her from coming this far. Experiences of extensive bullying in school, depression and extensive family hardship have shaped her to become the strong woman she is today. In the same speech, she named mental health, domestic violence prevention, housing and environment as her top priorities.

Walker’s step into the spotlight has come with challenges as she has already faced both sexist and ageist criticism. One of her most notable critics is Pauline Hanson (leader of the One Nation party), however Walker is not backing down. She stated that for her, the job is worth it. Unfortunately, these issues are longstanding within Parliament as women are vastly underrepresented, and younger people even more so. However, her presence in Parliament marks a much-needed generational shift in the Senate. Without representation, young people and women face more challenges than those who are over-represented (older men). Walker’s ability to balance her new job and tackle un-just conventions will prove indispensable for the shifting Australian landscape. While Walker has not made any drastic moves yet, her position allows her to advocate for the groups, and it will be interesting to see where her votes lie.

Walker's rise as the youngest Australian senator has cemented her place in Australian political history. Her ascension marks a generational shift in parliament, with her fresh perspective on issues affecting young Australians at the fore-front. It will be interesting to see where Walker goes as she continues her political career.