Thursday 5 November, Power & Policy

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✓ PerthNowPower & Policy1 min read

Australians' pessimism doubles as trust in institutions crumbles

Pessimism about personal life has doubled to 32%. Trust in government, courts and institutions has collapsed.

A survey of 10,000 Australians reveals a sharp turn toward pessimism and distrust. Just 32 per cent now expect their lives to worsen.

This is double the 14 per cent who felt that way during the COVID lockdowns and recession. Half are now pessimistic about the country's future.

That's up from just 24 per cent in 2020. Two-thirds believe too many immigrants are not adopting Australian values.

Distrust in government, elections and courts is very high. Cost-of-living pressures have soured attitudes.

Events like the Bondi massacre have also soured attitudes. The survey found that sharp debates from overseas were trickling into Australian discourse.

This is amplifying polarisation.

Why it mattersPeople are losing trust in institutions and society is splitting apart. This shows serious worry about the economy and national direction.

AustraliaRising pessimism and institutional distrust signal a fractured Australian society grappling with cost-of-living pressures and political division.

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago

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