Pressure on household finances is intensifying ahead of the federal budget, with new polling showing most Australians feel worse off and are calling for stronger action on living costs and housing.
A national survey by AMPLIFY found 73 per cent of Australians say their money is not going as far as it did a year ago, with more than 40 per cent reporting a sharper decline in their financial position. The proportion of people feeling worse off has risen by 10 per cent in the past three months.
The findings come as households face rising interest rates and fuel costs, which have pushed the average household around $400 a month deeper into financial pressure.
Housing costs remain a central concern. The poll shows 70 per cent of Australians are now in housing stress, defined as spending more than 30 per cent of household income on housing. More than a quarter are spending over half their income on housing, pointing to mounting pressure across both renters and mortgage holders.
AMPLIFY CEO Georgina Harrisson said the data reflects widespread strain across the community. “Our research shows no matter their age, housing situation, or employment status, Australians are struggling and their financial situation is worsening,” she said.
She said the pressure is evident in day-to-day choices. “This is showing up in everyday decisions for Australians, from the groceries they buy, the amount of fuel they put in the tank, and the sacrifices that come with higher mortgage repayments and rents. They are feeling constant pressure to decide where to cut back and how to make their money add up.”
AMPLIFY CEO Georgina Harrisson said the data reflects widespread strain across the community. “Our research shows no matter their age, housing situation, or employment status, Australians are struggling and their financial situation is worsening.”
Cost of living support has emerged as the top priority for voters ahead of the federal budget, with 73 per cent ranking it among their top three concerns and 40.5 per cent naming it as their highest priority.
Housing also ranks among the leading concerns, reflecting its role in driving inflation. Rising rents and construction costs have contributed to higher prices over the past year, with these pressures expected to continue amid global instability and elevated interest rates.
Ms Harrisson said Australians want clear action on housing affordability. “Housing remains one of the biggest drivers of inflation and financial stress and Australians are clearly telling us they want it treated as a priority in this year’s budget,” she said.
She warned that temporary measures would not address deeper issues. “In the face of cost-of-living pain and a worsening housing crisis, Australians want the upcoming budget to take bold action and deal with these issues head on.”
She said long-term reform is needed to address supply and affordability. “Short-term relief won’t fix the long-term structural problems that have led to this housing crisis. Now is the time for bold reform to improve housing supply and affordability otherwise these financial pressures will just continue to build.”
The poll, conducted between 19 and 26 March with more than 1,900 respondents, comes as policymakers weigh budget measures amid ongoing cost of living pressure and a tightening housing market.
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