Youngest Australian Senator | 21-Year-Old Elected
- Charlotte Walker, who celebrated her 21st birthday on australia's federal election day in May, has been declared the country's youngest-ever senator.
- Walker, a former union official, secured the governing center-left Labor Party’s third Senate seat for South Australia.
- Walker acknowledged the pressure that comes with the new role, which begins July 1.
Australia Elects Charlotte Walker, Its Youngest Senator Ever
Updated May 28, 2025
Charlotte Walker, who celebrated her 21st birthday on australia’s federal election day in May, has been declared the country’s youngest-ever senator. Her unexpected victory underscores shifts in australian politics and increasing female representation.
Walker, a former union official, secured the governing center-left Labor Party’s third Senate seat for South Australia. This was an unlikely outcome given Australia’s rank order voting system. The australian Electoral Commission officially announced the results Tuesday.
Walker acknowledged the pressure that comes with the new role, which begins July 1. The annual base salary for a federal lawmaker exceeds 205,000 Australian dollars ($133,000).
Speaking to Australian Broadcasting Corp.,Walker expressed her desire to represent South Australians effectively and inspire young people,especially women,to pursue similar opportunities. She noted her excitement about contributing in Canberra.
Before Walker, Jordon steele-John of the Greens party held the title of youngest senator, elected in 2017 at age 23. Wyatt roy was Australia’s youngest federal lawmaker, elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 at age 20.
Political historian Frank Bongiorno from Australian National University noted that notable election swings often lead to increased female representation in Parliament,as parties win seats thay did not anticipate. He also highlighted Labor’s efforts as 1994 to increase female representation through quotas.
“I wont to do a good job for South Australians,but I also want to show young people,notably young women,that this is achievable and this is something that they can do also. I’m also really excited. Not many people my age get to … go to Canberra and have the ability to contribute in the way that I will,” Walker said.
What’s next
Walker is set to begin her six-year term on July 1, joining a Parliament where women hold a significant proportion of seats. Her performance and impact on policy will be closely watched as she navigates the challenges and opportunities of federal politics.