How are we feeling, Australia? New data reveals confidence in the nation falls – but Australians united on the future
Australians’ feelings about national wellbeing took a hit this year.
In Australia, a recent survey conducted by the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index reveals a decline in confidence among the nation's citizens. The index, which has been tracking the well-being of Australians for over 25 years, found that personal wellbeing remained stable from April to May 2026. However, by September, the index had dropped by 1.1 points, with satisfaction in safety and future security falling further.
Similarly, national wellbeing also dipped by 3.2 points, falling from 54.8 out of 100 in April-May to the same figure in September.
This decline in national confidence was particularly notable in the areas of the economy, government, and national security, which saw a significant drop compared to April-May. Young adults and those on lower incomes reported some of the lowest wellbeing scores, highlighting the need for policy interventions to support these vulnerable groups.
Looking ahead, Australians were asked to envision the kind of Australia they want for future generations. Despite the challenging times, a broadly shared vision emerged, with a majority of respondents emphasizing the importance of safety, social connection, environmental sustainability, and financial security. More than four in five (83.4%) believed that housing costs would have a high negative impact on future generations, and younger Australians, in particular, were concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence on their lives.
Despite these concerns, almost two-thirds of respondents felt responsible for the wellbeing of future generations. While the federal government's Measuring What Matters framework already tracks many of the issues highlighted by Australians, there is currently no mechanism in place to ensure that this well-being vision is reflected in policy decisions. As Treasurer Jim Chalmers recently stated, this is a critical moment for Australia to come together and adapt to the uncertainties ahead.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
