I could go on. They can drive a car, but are not allowed a say on how we might reduce the road toll that continues to befuddle policy makers, for example. They have adult responsibilities often, but not the rights that go along with that. It’s time for change - but not only because of the unfairness of not having a say. Two other reasons should be considered. Loading First, our older teens are now - probably in large part thanks to Donald Trump - engaged in the political and democratic process. Just consider how many young people in America mobilised in the wake of Trump’s do-nothing approach on gun laws.

Our teens are passionate about, and have a detailed knowledge of, policies relating to the environment, asylum seekers, and the republic in a way we might not have been at the same age. They are living the education system that is the subject of daily debates. Or they are the faces behind criminally high unemployment rates in some areas. Human rights groups at school have exposed many to international issues and a resurgence in debating and public speaking means teenagers are more than capable of holding their own in an analysis of issues. Loading Giving them the vote would only increase their participation in our democracy. But the second reason is just as important. We have 16 and 17-year-olds now running international businesses from their bedrooms.

They think differently. Their communication is the communication means of the future. And we need that, to survive and prosper. We need to tap into the way they think, to disrupt our age-old thinking. We need to give them a seat at the table. If we don’t, our nation will suffer, and they will lose interest. We now have 26,236 16 and 17-year olds provisionally enrolled to vote in Australia. Six years ago, it was over 70,000. The reasons for that are unclear, because they are certainly more publicly engaged. Perhaps they will do it, on the eve of their eligibility, or are sick of what’s going on inside our parliaments, just like the rest of us. A parliament needs to represent those it serves, and that’s not happening currently.

We talk about this every now and again, and perhaps each time another country or jurisdiction allows 16-year-olds a say in choosing their political representatives, but we need to do more than talk. The only substantial reason given for not extending the voting age to younger teens is that a person’s brain is not fully developed until they are 25 or so. That is correct. But where is the push to stop 24-year-olds from voting? Or others say our youth don’t have the requisite intelligence levels or will be too easily swayed by peers at the polling booth. Intellect? Too easily swayed to join another camp? Last week’s shenanigans should have put that argument to rest - and there wasn’t a 16-year-old in sight!