National mood: ​Optimism down, pessimism up

Personal satisfaction remains steady, but optimism about Australia’s future has dropped to its lowest level since tracking began. For the first time, net optimism and pessimism have converged, potentially reflecting global instability. Older Australians (40+) are notably more pessimistic than younger cohorts.​

Fairness and social cohesion ​is a fraying social contract​.

Belief in the ‘fair go’ is at a record low: less than half (46%) believe Australia is a country where everyone gets a fair go.​ Social cohesion is fragile: Only 41% feel Australia is united as a community, while 32% feel it is divided. Victorians and older Australians are more likely to perceive division.​

Lack of consensus as we are divided on local and foreign affairs​.

Recognition of Palestine: more support than opposition, but 43% are neutral or undecided.

Migration: over half believe migration levels are too high, especially older and less-educated Australians, despite migration patterns returning to their long-term averages.​

Climate: a third say the new targets are about right, but 28% say too high and 14% too low.​

Protest and participation shows that we are divided but engaged​

Protest activity is up: 22% support recent protest activity, 39% oppose it. Support for peaceful protest is higher (54%), largely contingent on the topic.​ Young Australians are leading: 9% of those aged under 40s have protested in the past year, and intent to protest is rising.​

The report suggests that leaders in business, government, and the community must address these divides with transparency, empathy, and a focus on shared values to rebuild optimism and cohesion.

Want to understand what this means for your organisation? ​

To obtain a copy of the full report, please email: <hello@bastioninsights.com> with the subject line Australia Now & Next Report.