Housing, cost of living and climate change top list of what concerns voters most in Your Say

As the prime minister mulls over a date for the coming federal election and candidates prepare for campaign mode with their eyes on the polls, voters have begun to tell the ABC what issues will influence their vote and why.

The ABC asked you to have Your Say and tell us what matters to you — and we have heard from thousands of people already.

We’ve heard from people on local radio and written concerns via Your Say in regional areas and the big cities, from all walks of life, first-time voters, the middle aged, and beyond.

We’ve received thoughtful and constructive comments about the issues facing this country, your concerns and questions.

Topping the list you told us the housing crisis, the cost of living and climate change concern you deeply.

And you told us about many more concerns — environmental protection, healthcare, immigration, education, national security, public safety and crime, aged care, the NDIS, energy, foreign policy, and the impact of Donald Trump and Australia’s relationship with the United States.

Fears for the future

You told us there is an increasing sense of despair that social cohesion is being eroded by the increasing divide between those who have property and those who feel shut out of the housing market.

And you told us of your trust being fatigued, of social inequality and your fears for the future.

You said you want more transparent governance.

“Shouldn’t your job be to provide ways to improve our society so that people’s lives become more rewarding and satisfying?” said Jo from Wynyard in Tasmania of her plea to politicians.

“Shouldn’t we leave the world a better place so that the next generation benefits from our improvements?

“I’m scared for our present and our future, and only see division between wealthy and poor, between the left and the right.

We heard from young people and those voting for the first time.

“As an 18-year-old first-time voter I care about having my say on issues that affect me,” wrote A from Albany in Western Australia.

“My voting preferences are informed by party policies on alleviating the cost of living crisis — specifically groceries — alleviating the housing crisis, and building more accessible public housing units.

“I want a government that cares about giving everyone a fair go, making starting out as an adult easier.”

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And Sarah from Brunswick in Victoria said “as a young person I want the idea of buying a house for my future family to be realistic and within reach”.

Nathan from Baulkham Hills in New South Wales told Your Say it did not feel like his views were represented in any way. 

The 19-year-old said he had worked since he was 15 in seven different jobs and yet “I feel like there is a massive wall up against me being able to become financially independent”.

Older generations ‘live week to week’

Audience members in the 50-plus bracket also expressed despair.

“At 59 I should be starting to wind down, having a good life, but instead I feel I’m just surviving to live week to week,” wrote Gerri from Penrith in NSW.

“I work two jobs and still the cost of living crisis has really affected me.

“I’ll basically have to sell my home, which I fought so hard to keep, so I might get to enjoy some retirement before I drop dead from stress.”

Even those who describe themselves as well paid and on good salaries expressed despondency at how they can get ahead and build a solid foundation for their family.

“I work a shift job as a fixed plant operator. I’m paid well but I can’t afford to save to buy a house,” said Adam in south-west Western Australia.

And Vince from Newcastle in NSW said “housing is EVERYTHING. How can a single 60-year-old who is renting but working full-time prevent becoming homeless?”

“With vacancy rates so low all renters are months from being homeless, working Australians with nowhere to live,” he said.

Many audience members said the hikes in grocery prices, fuel and utility bills turned everyday life into a struggle.

Eva in South Australia’s South Plympton lamented “utter despair for the future of my children and grandchildren and their peers”.

“No wonder we have a mental health crisis. What do our grandchildren have to look forward to?” she said.

Changing climate still front of mind

Climate change was another issue concerning the audience, with calls for urgent action to address it, protect biodiversity and transition to renewable energy.

“My number one issue continues to be climate change and the need to take strong action to protect both the present and future generations,” said Warwick from Farrer in the ACT.

Hannah in Tasmania’s Braddon was equally despairing on Your Say.

“I am a mum of two primary-school-aged kids. I feel physically crushed when I think about my kids’ future due to the impacts of our warming planet,” she said.

And Robin from Northcote in Melbourne told us “climate change remains the most pressing matter of our time”.

“Despite the real and significant impact of cost of living, it will change. Whereas if we do nothing about the rapid rate of climate change the human race is stuffed.”

Robin also expressed concern about democracy. 

“It is being undermined on many fronts and we should be asking investigative questions of candidates about what they believe in terms of democratic processes and consider how past governments have respected, or not, these processes.”

Afraid of ‘Trumpism in Australia’

Some audience responses focused on the impact of Donald Trump’s presidency in the United States and a distrust of the US. 

There was sentiment that funds for the AUKUS trilateral security deal between the US, the UK and Australia could be better spent at home.

Chris in Sawtell, NSW, said “my first preference vote will be determined on one issue — an AUKUS withdrawal and regaining our independent defence forces”.

And Alex of Ashfield in Sydney said “Trump has whimsically demonstrated that he’s not to be trusted to honour previously agreed international standards in security, trade, finance, climate, and health”.

He asked “what position do the leaders of Australia’s political parties take in our continuing relationship with the US in ANZUS, Five Eyes intelligence alliance, AUKUS, free trade agreements, foreign aid, and diplomacy at the UN and elsewhere?”

Lin in Bunbury, WA, said “for the first time in my life my biggest concern is foreign policy”.

Megan in Carseldine in Queensland said “people are afraid of the fallout of Trumpism in Australia”.

We are considering every comment and question you are submitting and we appreciate the time and effort you are making to be part of the conversation.

It will help inform our journalism and the issues we pursue with political leaders and candidates to provide more policy detail and clarity which so many of you are asking for.

Thank you for your submissions to Your Say. Keep them coming by having your say here and tune in to your local ABC radio to talk with us.

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