Politics in Australia - statistics & facts
In 2022, following a federal election in Australia, the incumbent Liberal-National Coalition government, led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, was defeated by the opposition Australian Labor Party (ALP), led by Anthony Albanese. The ALP holds a large majority of seats in the House of Representatives and has the second highest number of seats in the Senate, behind the Liberal-National Coalition. While initially coming into power with a high level of popular opinion, the growing concern of people over the cost of living in Australia and the housing crisis has seen a dramatic drop in popularity with the current government. In addition, the government also failed to secure a yes vote in the recent Voice to Parliament Referendum, one of the most divisive votes in recent history.
In spite of the importance of this vote, only around half the younger share of voters paid a good deal of attention to the referendum, with the older share of the population being more attentive to the issue. Among the voting population, females were more likely to vote yes in the referendum than males, and there was a tendency for people with higher education qualifications to vote yes.
With many people in Australia worried about the high cost of living and the affordability of housing, it remains to be seen whether the current ALP government will be able to remain in power after the 2025 election.
Public opinion on the political parties
While the majority of people in Australia believe that political parties are necessary for the political system in the country to function, few believe that the parties care about what they think. As such, public opinion on all the political parties in the country is neutral, neither liked nor disliked. There is, however, a difference of opinion as to what party is better at managing certain functions of the country. The ALP is seen as more capable of managing the healthcare system in Australia, while more people believe the Liberal-National Coalition is a better manager of the economy than the other parties.The Voice to Parliament Referendum
On October 14 2023, Australia held a referendum to alter the constitution to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders within the constitution, through the creation of a Voice to Parliament. This Voice to Parliament would allow indigenous representation to Federal Parliament on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. While only a minority of people believe that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are treated equally in the country, this referendum was rejected, with the majority of people in Australia voting against it.In spite of the importance of this vote, only around half the younger share of voters paid a good deal of attention to the referendum, with the older share of the population being more attentive to the issue. Among the voting population, females were more likely to vote yes in the referendum than males, and there was a tendency for people with higher education qualifications to vote yes.
With many people in Australia worried about the high cost of living and the affordability of housing, it remains to be seen whether the current ALP government will be able to remain in power after the 2025 election.
