MISSION Australia is encouraging Victorian young people aged 14 to 19 to participate in the national charity’s 2026 youth survey before it closes this Friday (August 14).

Now celebrating its 25th year, the annual youth survey provides young people with an opportunity to share their opinions on the issues impacting the country, along with their hopes for the future and insights into their education and home life.

In 2025, more than 4400 young people in Victoria completed the survey, naming cost-of-living (64 per cent), climate change and the environment (33 per cent), mental health (28 per cent), and violence, safety and crime (25 per cent) as the most important issues in Australia.

Mission Australia Executive General Manager, Community Services, Di Kapera, said hearing directly from young people is vital.

“The youth survey is the largest survey of its kind in Australia, and it gives us incredibly useful insights into what young people are going through and how they feel about the country,” Ms Kapera said.

“Last year, cost-of-living was the number one issue of concern for Victorian young people, and we expect to see a similar response in 2026 as young people and their families continue to face financial pressures.

“Mission Australia uses the youth survey findings to advocate for government investment and policy changes that can improve outcomes for young people and help them to thrive.

“This is why we need as many young people as possible to complete the survey. We’re hoping that schools, youth organisations, councils and community groups will get behind the survey and help to give it one final push.”

The youth survey focuses on a wide range of topics, including questions on mental health and wellbeing, sources of support and community connections, housing and financial situation, climate change, study and work. This year’s survey included some new areas of focus, including questions on the teen social media ban, the changes to their neighbourhoods that would impact young people’s lives, and barriers to participating in community events. The results of the youth survey are published in November and shared with schools, the non-profit sector and all levels of government. The survey takes around 20 minutes to complete, is confidential and open to all young people aged 14 to 19 living in Australia.

To complete the survey or find out more, visit: www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey