SEC Newgate’s latest Mood of the Nation survey finds that the national mood is darkening, in findings that will increase pressure on governments to act more decisively on cost of living amid rapidly escalating concerns about crime and social cohesion.
Our latest survey of n=1208 Australians, taken from 23 to 26 April, reveals that concern over crime has risen sharply, with confidence in Federal and State governments falling.
However, one bright spot for the Federal Government is its proposed ‘Future Made In Australia Act’, aimed at providing large public subsidies to promote advanced manufacturing, which has broad public support.
With a Federal Election expected in the next 12 months, the Albanese Government will be concerned by both a sharp deterioration in the national mood, and an increase in the proportion who believe Australia is heading in the wrong direction. There is also softening support for the energy transition and net zero targets, as well as limited confidence that the targets will be met.
When it comes to the upcoming Federal Budget, there is a preference for a measured approach with funding targets on healthcare, cost of living and housing initiatives.
After a boost in positivity in February, the national mood has deteriorated and is now similar to that after The Voice referendum in October last year.
Nearly two thirds (63%) of Australians feel the country is heading in the wrong direction as cost-of-living pressures continues to bite hard.
Optimism is poorest in Victoria and Queensland, and has also begun to turn in Western Australia.
While there is still overwhelming support for the energy transition in Australia, key metrics, including support for renewables and emission targets, continue to slip.
The Albanese Government’s pivot to investing in Australian manufacturing has paid off, with support for the Future Made in Australia Act strong across the political divide (74% Labor, 58% Coalition) and is also highest amongst over 50s (69%).
Following a string of violent events in public spaces, community safety and social cohesion is sharply rising as an issue of importance, with crime now the third most cited unprompted issue for Australians.
Around three quarters of Australians (73%) also believe that penalties for youth crime are too soft, with Queenslanders most likely to agree.
Contact us for more information about the full Mood of the Nation research report or if we can help you navigate community or stakeholder sentiment or expectations.
David Stolper, Partner, SEC Newgate Research – [email protected]
Sue Vercoe, Managing Partner, SEC Newgate Australia – [email protected]
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