Optimism Hits New Lows Amid Economic Struggles
Despite ongoing financial challenges, 74% of Australians report overall satisfaction with their lives. However, the outlook for the future is markedly less positive. Personal optimism has plummeted to its lowest point since 2021, with less than half of Australians feeling hopeful about the country’s future.
Age plays a crucial role in these sentiments. Older Australians (70+) are the most satisfied and optimistic, while younger generations, facing greater economic pressures, exhibit growing pessimism about their prospects.
Government Satisfaction Declines
Public sentiment towards the Federal Albanese-led Government has significantly eroded, with dissatisfaction now outweighing satisfaction. Only 37% of respondents rated the government’s performance as very good or good, while 40% expressed dissatisfaction. This marks the lowest satisfaction levels since October 2022, signalling a need for government agencies to reassess and adapt their strategies to address public concerns.
Cost of Living Remains a Top Concern
The cost of living continues to be the foremost concern for Australians, with 68% identifying it as the top government priority. Rising costs in essentials such as energy bills, groceries, and fuel have forced 90% of Australians to adjust their household budgets. Discretionary spending on activities like dining out has notably decreased, particularly among younger people with mortgages or those renting, who are feeling the economic pinch the most.
Healthcare Accessibility a Growing Priority
Affordable and accessible healthcare remains a key priority, ranking third in importance behind cost-of-living pressures and affordable housing. Although overall health in Australia remains stable, mental health issues, especially among the youth, continue to be a significant concern. The increasing difficulty in accessing affordable healthcare underscores the need for urgent policy attention.
Australia’s Evolving Energy Debate: Nuclear Power Gains Ground
As Australians continue to grapple with rising energy costs, there has been a notable shift in attitudes toward nuclear energy. While opinions remain divided, 39% of Australians now support the incorporation of nuclear energy into the country’s energy mix—a level of support that would have been unimaginable a generation ago. Despite this, most Australians remain uncomfortable with the idea of having a nuclear reactor in their vicinity.
Bastion’s Australia Now & Next survey provides critical insights into the evolving sentiments and priorities of Australians. As the country navigates economic challenges and debates future energy solutions, these findings will be essential for shaping policy and public discourse in the coming years.
To access the report, please contact James Wunsch: jameswu@bastionagency.com
