YOUNG people do have opinions and they would like more opportunities to be heard.
Some, like Joel Clark, of Caringbah, have been involved in youth politics since high school and could have political aspirations.
Mr Clark, 25, is off to South Africa this week to represent Australia at the sixth Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Mmabatho, November 2-8.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association-run program will include debates in the chambers of South Africa's North West Provincial Legislature.
"I am looking forward to using the program as a platform to voice the concerns of Australian young people, whilst learning about the issues affecting young people in the Commonwealth," Mr Clark said.
"My involvement with the Youth Parliament in NSW and the other youth parliaments right across the country, really cemented for me that young people must be heard in the decision-making processes that affect them now and in the future."
Mr Clark, a Liberal politician adviser, might also take the opportunity to talk about indigenous Australians and how Australia has a long way to go to bridge the inequality gap, particularly in health and education.
He might also talk about the importance of young people having a say in government decision processes.
"We want to be consulted about all issues rather than being asked tokenistic questions about skate parks," Mr Clark said.
"There are a lot of informed young people out there but our voice is not heard — we are seen as leaders of tomorrow rather than people who have something to contribute today."
Mr Clark has been involved in the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament for 10 years.
He was nominated by Oatley MP Mark Coure.
