Cost of living is Australians' top concern by a wide margin: 65% named it among the most important issues in Ipsos's September 2026 Issues Monitor, and 75% called it a top-three issue for them in RedBridge's August poll. Consumer confidence hit a record low in March 2026 as the Iran war pushed up fuel prices (see The economy). Inflation expectations are around 6% after four interest rate rises in 2026. Ipsos still rates Labor the single party most capable on cost of living, but on RedBridge's measure One Nation and the Coalition together lead Labor and the Greens.
How much it matters
Ipsos Issues Monitor: % naming each as one of the most important issues facing Australia.
The RBA cut the cash rate to 3.60%, its third cut of 2025. (roymorgan.com)
The RBA raised the cash rate to 3.85%, its first increase since November 2023, then to 4.10% in March and 4.35% in May. (commbank.com.au)
Consumer confidence fell to a record low of 58.8, the first reading below 60 in the 50-year series. Inflation expectations hit a record 7.3%. (roymorgan.com)
Roy Morgan: 29.0% of mortgage holders were at risk of mortgage stress, up from 23.9% in January. (roymorgan.com)
ABS: headline inflation was 3.5% over the year to July (trimmed mean 3.6%). (roymorgan.com)
The RBA raised the cash rate to 4.60%, its fourth increase of 2026. (rba.gov.au)