Australian students just recorded the lowest civics scores since testing began. But young people do care about politics

Australian school students’ civics knowledge is the lowest it has been since testing began 20 years ago, according to new national data.

Results have fallen since the last assessment in 2019 and to the lowest levels since the national civics test began in 2004.

This follows a federal parliamentary report earlier this month, calling for mandatory civics education in Australian schools (it is currently part of the curriculum but not compulsory). The report cited fears young people are “poorly equipped” to participate in Australian democracy.