Students had the chance to discuss their topics of interest with a panel of politicians, candidates, academics and youth activists on Friday afternoon.

Greens Senate candidate Christina Hobbs, Liberal senator Zed Seselja and Labor Fraser MP Andrew Leigh fielded the questions alongside the Australia National University's Dr Jill Shepherd and the ACT Youth Coalition's Emma Robertson.

Subjects ranged from short-term interests, such as penalty rates, university affordability and same-sex marriage, through to long-term issues ranging from the women's pay gap to the stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

Questions about the political system, including the trustworthiness of politicians and low voter enrolment numbers for young people, loomed large in a forum designed to let students discuss the issues most important to them.

Deputy principal Bruce Fuda said the forum allowed the students, many of whom will be old enough to vote on July 2, to engage with political candidates and make an informed choice at the ballot box.

"I'm really excited that the questions are on things we're not necessarily going to hear about in the mainstream all the time, and I think that emphasises young people have voices that need to be heard," he said.

"There are a number of issues that aren't getting the attention they need, and that's one of the most important things about engaging in the process."

Debate remained civil and far-removed from the kind of slanging matches prominent on Q&A, though things became heated between Dr Leigh and Senator Seselja during an argument about the same-sex marriage plebiscite.

Kieran Heid, who asked one of the questions, said it was good to get straight answers from the panellists.

"I thought it touched on some pretty big issues that don't get focused on," he said.

Millie Moody, who also asked a question, said there needed to be broader coverage of youth issues during the campaign.

"The focus some youth get is good, but it's quite isolated and doesn't focus on everybody."