Cost-of-living pressures continue to dominate the national conversation, with grocery prices, energy costs and housing affordability emerging as the biggest concerns for Australians in new Pureprofile research.
To better understand how Australians are feeling about the issues affecting the country – and this year’s Federal Budget – we surveyed more than 1,000 Australians on the topics shaping their financial outlook, economic confidence and voting sentiment. Budget sentiment questions were asked only to respondents who said they had followed or seen coverage of the Federal Budget (n=694).
Grocery prices top the list of issues Australians say matter most right now
When asked which issues matter most to them right now, grocery prices emerged as the leading issue for Australians, selected by 66% of respondents.
Other key issues included:
- Energy prices (41%)
- Rent and mortgage pressure (29%)
- Housing affordability (27%)
- Healthcare costs (23%)
The findings highlight the continued impact of everyday cost pressures on Australian households, with affordability and financial stability remaining front of many minds.
Australians are paying attention to the Federal Budget
Nearly seven in 10 Australians said they had either followed this year’s Federal Budget closely or seen coverage and highlights from the announcement.
However, sentiment towards the Budget itself appears mixed.
Among those who followed or saw coverage of the Budget:
- 42% said they felt negative about the Federal Budget
- 26% said they felt positive
- 27% remained neutral
The results suggest many Australians are closely watching government responses to cost-of-living pressures, while remaining cautious about the broader economic outlook.
Australians remain unconvinced that the Budget will improve their finances
Among Australians who followed or saw coverage of the Federal Budget, 40% said it would have no real impact on their personal financial situation.
Meanwhile:
- 37% believe the Budget will make things worse
- Only 19% believe it will improve their finances
The findings point to ongoing uncertainty around whether current economic measures will deliver meaningful financial relief for everyday Australians.
Confidence in Australia’s economic future remains cautious
Australians who followed or saw coverage of the Budget also expressed mixed confidence.
More than four in 10 respondents said they feel less confident about Australia’s economic future following the Budget, while only 25% reported feeling more confident.
A further 28% said the Budget made no difference to their outlook.
The findings reflect a cautious national mood as Australians continue to navigate financial pressure and economic uncertainty.
Could economic conditions influence future voting behaviour?
Current economic pressures may also be influencing how Australians think about future elections.
More than one in three Australians said they would consider voting differently if a Federal Election were held today, while 27% remain unsure.
The results suggest that cost-of-living concerns and economic confidence may continue to play an important role in shaping voter sentiment in the months ahead.
What this means for brands and policymakers
The research provides a snapshot of the issues Australians are prioritising most right now – with affordability, economic stability and financial confidence continuing to dominate consumer sentiment.
For brands, policymakers and organisations, understanding these concerns is critical to responding effectively to the pressures shaping Australians’ decisions, behaviours and outlook.
The infographic below represents key findings from our research:
Based on a nationally representative Pureprofile survey of 1,006 Australians conducted in May 2026.
