The Daily Aus A national snapshot of young Australia
Nov 9, 2025
Young Australians are optimistic about their individual futures but feel distrustful towards national systems. Key concerns include rising costs of living and housing, with many giving up on home ownership. Despite facing financial pressures, they still value milestones like marriage and family. Surprisingly, a significant percentage are employed and engaged in side hustles. However, there's a mental health crisis, with many experiencing loneliness despite being highly connected. Ultimately, this generation is dedicated to self-improvement while grappling with financial insecurity.
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Hopeful Individuals, Doubtful Country
- Young Australians are optimistic about their own futures but pessimistic about national systems and institutions.
- They trust their abilities yet doubt the country's direction and whether institutions have their interests at heart.
Doing All The Right Things, Still Locked Out
- Young people follow expected paths like education and work but still feel locked out of wealth-building milestones like home ownership.
- This gap fuels distrust in institutions despite personal confidence.
Institutional Trust Is Low, Service Trust High
- Young Australians report lower trust than older cohorts in nine of ten major institutions, including the federal government.
- The exceptions they trust most are service and emergency roles like health professionals and police.