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Issues polling

What Australians care about

Healthcare is a steady second-tier issue: 20–28% named it among the most important issues facing Australia in Ipsos's monthly monitor between November 2025 and September 2026, and about half put hospitals and healthcare in their top five from a list (JWS Research). Ipsos rates Labor the party most capable on healthcare. GP bulk billing has risen to about 82% of visits after Labor's 2025 Medicare package, according to the government.

How much it matters

Ipsos Issues Monitor: % naming each as one of the most important issues facing Australia.

0%10%20%30%40%2026MarMayJulySeptHealthcare: 28% (Nov 2025)Healthcare: 24% (Dec 2025)Healthcare: 26% (Jan 2026)Healthcare: 26% (Feb 2026)Healthcare: 20% (Sept 2026)20%

Healthcare as a top issue (JWS Research)

JWS Research True Issues: % choosing hospitals and healthcare among their top five issues from a list.

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%JulySeptNov2026MarMayTop five, prompted: 48% (Sept 2025)Top five, prompted: 48% (Nov 2025)Top five, prompted: 46% (Feb 2026)46%
Top five, prompted

Key facts

  • Roy Morgan: 31% named improving health services and hospitals among their three most important issues, second only to living costs. (roymorgan.com)
  • AIHW: the GP bulk-billing rate fell to 79% in 2025. (aihw.gov.au)
  • Ipsos rated Labor the party most capable on healthcare, as well as on cost of living, housing and the economy. (ipsos.com)
  • The government reported GP bulk billing at 81.9% for January–March, up 4.6 points on a year earlier, and aims for 90% by 2030. (health.gov.au)