In a major new national study, Flinders University has revealed the top concerns troubling Australians today, with cost-of-living pressures, housing unaffordability, crime and safety, healthcare access, and the environment topping the list.
Drawing on the views of more than 30,000 Australians, the inaugural Wicked Problems Report gives voice to the challenges communities are grappling with and will guide Flinders researchers in developing practical, evidence-based solutions.
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said the landmark survey marks a new approach to research, where the community sets the agenda.
"Flinders exists to serve the community, and that starts with listening," Professor Stirling said.
"By identifying the issues that matter most to ordinary Australians, our researchers can then seek to understand the root causes of these issues and help to deliver solutions that bring the most benefit to our community.
"Australians have told us clearly what is keeping them awake at night. Now it's our job to turn that concern into action by researching solutions that make a real difference."
The national survey found that as top concerns:
- 65% of Australians listed cost-of-living.
- 37% worried about housing costs and affordability.
- 32% were concerned about crime and community safety.
- 26% pointed to access to quality healthcare and community care.
- 21% worries about the environment, including climate change and environmental degradation.
While many concerns were shared nationwide, the report highlights distinct regional and demographic patterns:
- Access to healthcare was rated a higher concern for South Australians and Tasmanians.
- Crime and safety ranked as the top concern in the Northern Territory.
- Concerns about housing affordability were highest in New South Wales and Western Australia.
- Environmental concern varied by location, with ACT residents the most concerned and Queenslanders the least.
- People living in rural areas are more concerned about crime and safety, and access to health and social care, compared to metropolitan-based people.
Generational trends also emerged:
- Gen Z had the highest rate of concern for unemployment and job security.
- Gen Y had the highest rates of concern for cost-of-living and housing affordability.
- Baby Boomers prioritised access to healthcare, the environment, and global stability, with less concern for cost-of-living pressures compared to the national average.
Women were more likely to identify cost-of-living pressures and domestic violence as major concerns, while men were more concerned with trust in government and global crises, compared to the national average.
Across income groups, cost-of-living pressures were identified regardless of income, highlighting the widespread impact.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Raymond Chan said the Wicked Problems Report will now directly shape Flinders' research priorities.
"Research at Flinders is about more than discovery - it's about solutions," Professor Chan said.
"This report puts the voice of Australians at the centre of our research agenda. We are aligning our efforts to tackle these complex challenges, working across disciplines and with partners in government, industry and the community."
The Wicked Problems Report will be conducted annually, providing a longitudinal view of Australia's evolving challenges and shaping Flinders University's research efforts.
The full report is available at flinders.edu.au/wicked-problems
There are state-based reports available for South Australia and New South Wales.
Based on a national online survey of 30,000 Australians conducted in December 2024, the Flinders University Wicked Problems Report identifies the most pressing challenges facing individuals and communities across the country. Participants ranked their top three concerns from a curated list developed through stakeholder interviews, focus groups and pre-testing. The survey sample was representative by age, gender and geographic location to ensure a diverse cross-section of views.
