Perennial local political warrior Kevin Loughrey has found himself unexpectedly thrust into the national spotlight in the debate over lowering the voting age to 16.

The retired Army lieutenant colonel from South Ballina, known for his colourful commentary and multiple tilts at political office, is calling for a dramatic rethink of voting rights in Australia.

The push to lower the voting age comes after UK Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the change would be implemented there in time for the next British general election. Such reform in Australia has long been supported by the Greens Party and more recently has gained traction with some Teal independents.

But Mr Loughrey is responding with a typical military-style counterstrike: open a new front and push the age up to 25 instead.

Loughrey says his view is based on both personal experience and medical science.

“The majority of psychologists and psychiatrists agree the human brain isn’t fully developed until 25 or even 30,” he said.

“That’s the point where critical thinking, reasoning and emotional maturity really kick in. Why are we handing out ballot papers before then?”

‘If You Haven’t Left Socialism by 50…’

While critics say if you’re old enough to work, pay tax or be conscripted, you’re old enough to vote, Loughrey flips that argument on its head.

“If you’re not mature enough to vote, don’t tax under-25s — and don’t send them to war unless they volunteer. We can’t have it both ways.”

He’s also not shy about his concern that younger voters are, in his view, heavily influenced by a school system he believes leans too far left.

“What we’re seeing is a generation raised in a collectivist mindset,” he said.

“They’re told to be ashamed of Australia’s history, living at home into their 20s, studying degrees in underwater macramé — and yet we expect them to decide who runs the country?”

He even quotes Winston Churchill to make his point.

“Churchill said it best: ‘If you’re not a socialist at 16, you have no heart. If you’re still a socialist at 50, you have no brain.’ It might sound harsh, but there’s a deeper truth there about emotional idealism versus practical experience.”

Despite having stood unsuccessfully for federal, state and local office, Loughrey says he’s seen enough at polling booths to form a view.

“Most of the young voters I’ve seen have no idea what they’re doing,” he said. “They’re there because someone told them they should vote — not because they understand what they’re voting for.”

A fledgling political reform group he’s co-founded, Australians for Better Government has already signed up over 100 members, and he’s recently completed a flurry of national media appearances sparking interest and debate on the voting age issue.

“It’s been overwhelming, honestly,” he said.

“People are listening. They may not all agree — but they’re nodding more than you’d expect.”

You can read more about Australians for Better Government at: https://www.australiansforbetter.com