ANU Expert Explainers: Life satisfaction hits new lows despite economic recovery

In the middle of a Federal election – and despite improving economic indicators – Australians are reporting lower life satisfaction than during COVID lockdowns. Professor Nick Biddle from the Australian National University shares new findings from the 2025 Election Monitoring Survey Series revealing one-third of Australians struggle financially, with middle-aged citizens experiencing the steepest wellbeing decline.

The research exposes how cumulative effects of inflation, interest rates, and economic uncertainty continue to impact voters’ perceptions heading into the election.