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Friday, Sep 19, 2025
Outside the box.
Changing Tides: Australians Grapple with Rising Living Costs Ahead of Elections
As living standards decline amidst soaring costs, voter sentiments shift in anticipation of the impending federal elections.
Australians are experiencing a significant decline in living standards not seen since the 1950s, with recent government analysis indicating a sharper drop in real disposable income during the ongoing inflation crisis than observed in either the 1990-91 or 1982-83 recessions.
This deterioration has led many households, particularly those impacted by rising rent and stagnant wages, to reconsider their political allegiances ahead of the forthcoming elections.
A case in point is Deb Fryers, who has faced considerable hardships following a diagnosis of two terminal illnesses in July 2019. After leaving her job in the film industry and selling her home, she encountered homelessness, couch-surfing, and eventually securing social housing.
Fryers supported the Labor party in the last election, trusting in their commitment to assist marginalized members of society.
However, with the burden of her rising rent and healthcare costs, she now expresses a feeling of betrayal, stating that she is reassessing her voting options and exploring the policies of teal independents and the Greens.
Similarly, Laura Wilson and her partner, Mitch, have experienced financial strain since the birth of their twins and the subsequent complications.
Although they sold their previous home in Brisbane and relocated to New South Wales to be closer to family, rising rent costs forced them to rely on family assistance to purchase property.
With Laura unable to work full-time, the couple has had to prioritize their children's health over their own, limiting access to mental health services and healthcare professionals.
Current trends suggest that voters, particularly those in the millennial and Gen Z demographics, are increasingly disillusioned with traditional party politics.
Analysts indicate that these younger voters, now outnumbering baby boomers at the ballot box, may not adhere to established voting patterns as they prioritize immediate economic concerns.
According to behavioural economist Evan Lucas, first-term governments globally are facing challenges, with a notable shift in voter inclinations toward opposition parties.
Recent polling data indicates a slight lead for the Coalition over Labor in two-party preferred voting scenarios, with the Coalition receiving 39% of the primary vote compared to Labor's 32%.
The economic landscape is impacting consumer behavior significantly.
Rohan De Britt, an area manager for Woolworths, has observed a change in shopping habits, with customers opting for smaller baskets and seeking discounted items as budgets tighten.
His personal voting history has shifted from traditional support for the Liberal party to a critical perspective of Labor, based on perceived inaction on pressing issues.
On the ground, many Australians like Chris Booy are juggling multiple jobs to sustain their families and make homeownership a possibility.
Despite his efforts across various sectors, Booy reflects on feeling financially strained, a sentiment echoed by many in similar circumstances.
He notes that the focus of voter concern is firmly on the cost of living, housing affordability, and energy prices as Australians prepare to engage in the upcoming electoral process.
These narratives encapsulate a broader national sentiment where economic anxieties are reshaping political landscapes, compelling voters to rethink their alignments as they grapple with increasing costs and the challenges of daily life.
This deterioration has led many households, particularly those impacted by rising rent and stagnant wages, to reconsider their political allegiances ahead of the forthcoming elections.
A case in point is Deb Fryers, who has faced considerable hardships following a diagnosis of two terminal illnesses in July 2019. After leaving her job in the film industry and selling her home, she encountered homelessness, couch-surfing, and eventually securing social housing.
Fryers supported the Labor party in the last election, trusting in their commitment to assist marginalized members of society.
However, with the burden of her rising rent and healthcare costs, she now expresses a feeling of betrayal, stating that she is reassessing her voting options and exploring the policies of teal independents and the Greens.
Similarly, Laura Wilson and her partner, Mitch, have experienced financial strain since the birth of their twins and the subsequent complications.
Although they sold their previous home in Brisbane and relocated to New South Wales to be closer to family, rising rent costs forced them to rely on family assistance to purchase property.
With Laura unable to work full-time, the couple has had to prioritize their children's health over their own, limiting access to mental health services and healthcare professionals.
Current trends suggest that voters, particularly those in the millennial and Gen Z demographics, are increasingly disillusioned with traditional party politics.
Analysts indicate that these younger voters, now outnumbering baby boomers at the ballot box, may not adhere to established voting patterns as they prioritize immediate economic concerns.
According to behavioural economist Evan Lucas, first-term governments globally are facing challenges, with a notable shift in voter inclinations toward opposition parties.
Recent polling data indicates a slight lead for the Coalition over Labor in two-party preferred voting scenarios, with the Coalition receiving 39% of the primary vote compared to Labor's 32%.
The economic landscape is impacting consumer behavior significantly.
Rohan De Britt, an area manager for Woolworths, has observed a change in shopping habits, with customers opting for smaller baskets and seeking discounted items as budgets tighten.
His personal voting history has shifted from traditional support for the Liberal party to a critical perspective of Labor, based on perceived inaction on pressing issues.
On the ground, many Australians like Chris Booy are juggling multiple jobs to sustain their families and make homeownership a possibility.
Despite his efforts across various sectors, Booy reflects on feeling financially strained, a sentiment echoed by many in similar circumstances.
He notes that the focus of voter concern is firmly on the cost of living, housing affordability, and energy prices as Australians prepare to engage in the upcoming electoral process.
These narratives encapsulate a broader national sentiment where economic anxieties are reshaping political landscapes, compelling voters to rethink their alignments as they grapple with increasing costs and the challenges of daily life.
