 Prior to entering Parliament, he was a wheat farmer and grazier and was involved with various industry bodies, including acting as vice-president of the South Australian division of the Farmers and Graziers Association.Young was elected to represent South Australia in the 1967 Senate election, his term as Senator commencing on 1 July 1968, and re-elected in 1974, 1975 and 1977.From 18 August 1981 Young served as President of the Senate.