Time to read : 4 Minutes
Aussies are feeling the squeeze financially… but will that sway their vote?
The cost of living crisis, housing affordability, and energy prices are top of mind heading into the next election. But what do the numbers really say?
We surveyed 1,000 Australians across the country to get their opinions on the issues that matter come election time and how that may influence their vote.
Here’s a breakdown of the key stats shaping the national conversation.
Housing costs
Housing affordability is one of the most pressing issues for Aussies.
Nearly 80% of respondents expressed concern about the cost of housing.
Younger Australians are feeling the weight the most: 85% of 18–24 year olds are worried about their future in the housing market.
Almost 44% surveyed anticipated it would take 5-10 years to purchase a home while almost 30% believed they would never afford to buy.
Homeowners aren’t immune, with nearly 66% of mortgage-free homeowners still expressing concerns about affordability.
And when it comes to government intervention, the overwhelming response was that it’s simply not enough. 68% believe the government isn’t doing enough to tackle the issue.
Yet, those who support policies like early access to superannuation for home purchases are split on which party is best positioned to fix the problem.
My take? It's not surprising that housing looks set to play a big role in this election. From skyrocketing rents, to a lack of affordable housing, to massive mortgages that can't be refinanced, to the Bank of Mum and Dad, every generation is affected by this. But there's no consensus on how best to fix it.
Energy bills
We know just how stressful energy bills are for Aussie households. It’s been the most stressful cost in our Bill Stress Index for the past 18 months, and this survey again confirms just how much pressure it’s putting on family finances.
More than a quarter of people surveyed cited it as their singular largest stressor. But last year’s $300 energy bill subsidy from the government left many underwhelmed. Half of the people surveyed said it simply wasn’t enough.
Key findings include:
72% of Aussies support government investment in solar energy.
32% support nuclear investment. Opposition to nuclear power is strongest among women and Western Australians.
While there’s broad agreement that climate change is an issue (61% concerned), fewer than half of Australians say it will influence their vote.
My take? Energy is another key battleground. It's been seriously stressful for all Aussie households for two years now. But is nuclear a vote winner? Well, it won't lower bills tomorrow, and something that clearly and obviously can cut the cost of energy might be incredibly appealing.
Healthcare expenses
With an ageing population and increased pressure on Medicare especially in the mental health space, healthcare remains a decisive factor in the upcoming election.
Bulk billing is disappearing faster than you can say “out-of-pocket expenses,” and while nearly two-thirds of Aussies rely on bulk-billed GP visits, fewer clinics are offering them.
46% believe mental health services are being poorly managed, with women significantly more likely to express dissatisfaction. (A quick note: this survey was done before the NSW psychiatry crisis, so this may be even higher today).
53% hold private health insurance, despite nearly half of the people surveyed questioning its value.
My take? This survey shows that healthcare is now truly a money problem. Fewer bulk billing options are available and as more Australians struggle with mental health issues it’s clear the high out-of-pocket costs mean more people are unable to seek out help for their health simply because they cannot afford it.
Superannuation
Superannuation is another major flashpoint, particularly when it comes to early access.
69% support early access to super for medical expenses.
55% back using it to buy property.
However, there’s a stark divide between those who understand how super works and those who don’t. Labor voters tend to be more aware of their superannuation options, while Liberal voters are more likely to say they wouldn’t access financial advice, even if it were cheaper.
Perhaps the most alarming finding is this: 30% expect to retire with less than $100,000 in super. But the consensus among more than a third of Aussies is that they will need at least $1,000,000 in super, to be comfortable.
My take? Many Aussies that believe one million is the magic number for retirement are worried that they simply won't have enough money to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in their golden years. The big difference between what people expect to have and what they actually need highlights concerns about not saving enough money or growing their super, and the challenges in preparing for retirement.
Bottom line
Australians are feeling the pinch, and their financial concerns are set to play a defining role in the upcoming election. My sense from reading survey responses is that voters aren’t looking for promises. From housing and healthcare to cost-of-living pressures, voters are seeking policies that deliver real, practical relief.
With the housing crisis at an all time high, energy bills stretching household budgets, and bulk billing clinics becoming less accessible, affordability remains a critical issue. Our bet? The upcoming election is likely to be influenced by the party that can present the most effective solutions to these concerns.
Go deeper:
2025 Federal Election Voter Sentiment Index
About the survey
Our survey results included responses from more than 1,000 Australian households from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, aged between 18 and 55+.
