Neodems

NeoDems or New Democrats refers loosely to the resurgence of interest and growth of the Australian Democrats. This is especially significant as the majority of this interest is from Generation Y, who tend to reject politics. This effect has been notable as some divisions have doubled their membership since 2004. It is suspected that the catalyst for this Democrats renaissance was the death of three major Democrats figures,Janine Haines in 2004, as well as Don Chipp and Rick Farley in 2006.

Youth Politics
The Australian Democrats have long claimed to be champions of youth politics by being willing to run younger candidates. This willingness has been seen as the main motivation for young people to join the Democrats as it presents the party as fresh and modern, and willing to change policy through its membership base, unlike the ALP and the Liberal/National Coalition.

2007 Election
In the 2007 federal election the Australian Democrats once again fielded many young candidates. More than half the Australian Democrats candidates are under the age of 35. Most notably Laura Chipp (Isaacs, VIC) daughter of Don Chipp and National Spokesperson for the Young Australian Democrats, Max Baumann (SA) number 2 senate candidate for South Australia and Norvan Vogt(ACT) as the lead senate candidate in the ACT, the youngest lead senate candidate in the election.

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