Who Is Charlotte Walker? Meet Australia’s Youngest-Ever Senator at 21

Charlotte Walker has made history by becoming Australia’s youngest senator at just 21 years old. Elected on May 18, 2025, the same day as her 21st birthday, Walker now represents South Australia in the federal Senate, starting her six-year term on July 1.

A Fresh Voice from South Australia

Hailing from Yankalilla, a small town just over an hour from Adelaide, Walker’s political journey began early. After finishing high school in 2022, she became a union official and quickly gained recognition in Labor’s left faction. Though she was the third-ranked candidate on Labor’s Senate ticket—a spot rarely successful—Walker won the seat and took office with the lowest vote count among South Australia’s six newly elected senators.

Despite that, she’s already captured national attention for her fiery speeches and progressive vision.

Representing the Next Generation

Speaking to ABC shortly after her election, Walker said she hoped to represent the struggles of young Australians, particularly those battling rising living costs, the rental crisis, and the challenges of balancing study and care responsibilities.

“I want to show young people, especially young women, that this is achievable,” she said.

“Not many people my age get to contribute in this way.”

A Stand Against Pauline Hanson

Walker recently clashed with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson in Parliament over a motion to abandon Australia’s net-zero emissions target by 2030. Responding to the proposal, Walker said: “All I can say is, are you kidding?”

She accused Senator Hanson of ignoring the climate crisis and failing to grasp the realities facing the next generation: “Without a net zero target, there will be no Australian farmers, businesses or industries to support us.”

Hanson dismissed Walker’s remarks on Sky News, claiming: “She’s no sooner out of bloody university and out of her nappies than she’s telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about.”

Social Media Backlash

Though Walker has been praised by many for her passion, she also faced criticism for a now-deleted Instagram vlog documenting a day in her life as a senator. The video included clips of her waking up under her duvet, interviews with media outlets, rushing through Parliament House, and flying back to Adelaide. Critics called it “unprofessional” and accused her of treating Parliament like a “hangout spot.”

Despite the backlash, Walker continues to gain support from younger voters who view her as a symbol of change and generational progress.

A Trailblazer Among Youth in Politics

Before Walker, Jordon Steele-John of the Greens held the record for Australia’s youngest senator, elected at 23 years old in 2017. The youngest-ever federal lawmaker was Wyatt Roy, who entered the House of Representatives at age 20 in 2010.

Now, Walker takes her place in the record books—not just as a historical first, but as a rising political force to watch.