On 20 August 2025, I will be joining a seminar hosted by the University of Newcastle’s College of Human and Social Futures, as part of the Newcastle Youth Studies Centre Seminar Series. The event will explore the findings of the New Possibilities: Young People and Democratic Renewal research project, funded by the Australian Research Council.
The project investigates how young people in Australia are engaging with democracy through climate activism, particularly since the emergence of the School Strike 4 Climate movement. Drawing on multi-method research—including interviews with policymakers, activists and community stakeholders—the seminar examines both the achievements and challenges facing youth-led advocacy in the current political context.
The panel will include:
- Philippa Collin, who will introduce the project and present cross-cutting findings;
- Judith Bessant and Rob Watts, who will discuss the growing criminalisation of youth protest and its implications;
- Varsha Yajman, a youth climate activist and researcher, offering reflections on movement strategies and futures;
- Myself, contributing insights from my research on public communication, representation and how policymakers respond to climate-focused youth engagement.
The discussion will address themes such as intergenerational trust, political accountability, and the role of digital media in shaping public discourse. We will consider how youth participation is heard, mediated, and sometimes constrained within institutional settings, and reflect on what is needed to sustain more inclusive democratic practices.
The event is free to attend and will be held online.
Details and registration:
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/events/college-of-human-and-social-futures/seminar-new-possibilities-young-people-and-democratic-renewal
Luigi Di Martino 
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