Cost of living now dominates Australian worries, with one in three expecting
Cost of living is the top concern for 36% of Australians. Pessimism about the future is rising sharply.
Australia's annual social cohesion report reveals that cost of living now dominates public concern. It is cited by 36% as their top issue, followed by housing at 11%.
Nearly one-third of adults expect their lives to get worse in the next four years. This is up from 29% last year.
Almost half of Australians, 48%, are pessimistic about the nation's future. Younger generations are hit hardest.
Happiness among millennials has dropped from 84% to 75% since 2014. Pessimism is rising across all age groups.
Economic stress is changing voting patterns. People suffering hardship are moving toward One Nation.
Despite these pressures, support for multiculturalism remains high at 76%. Overall social cohesion has stayed steady.
- 36%
- Cost of living concern
- Nearly 1 in 3, up from 29%
- Expect lives to worsen
- 48%
- Pessimistic about nation
- 84% to 75% since 2014
- Millennial happiness drop
Why it mattersThe shift in voter sentiment and rising pessimism signal that economic pain is reshaping political alignments and Australian public mood. Social bonds remain intact.
AustraliaEconomic hardship is driving Australians away from mainstream parties and toward protest votes, while one in five report struggling to pay for essentials like heating and medicine.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
