2025 Federal Election: Insights from Australian Reddit users

Australians are readying to vote for the federal elections on Saturday, 3 May 2025 to elect members of the 48th Parliament of Australia.

As the 2025 Australian Federal Election approaches, the partners of Australian Internet Observatory at the Australian Digital Observatory (ADO) have been diligently analysing the political discourse among Australian Reddit users. This analysis, spearheaded by Mat Bettinson and his team at the Queensland University of Technology Digital Observatory, have analysed and summarised discussions from 20 politically active subreddits to provide a comprehensive overview of the key themes and sentiments shaping the election conversation online. We’ve included our research insights on what the political candidates and parties are offering as a part of the solutions for the issues raised by the public on reddit:

Cost of Living

The rising cost of living remains the dominant economic concern for many Australians, with widespread discussions about the increasing difficulty of affording basic essentials such as groceries, energy, and housing. These financial pressures have persisted across both weeks of discourse, highlighting a significant concern for voters ahead of the federal elections. Many are questioning how current government policies are addressing (or failing to address) this growing burden on everyday Australians. Additionally, the issue of housing affordability continues to dominate public minds, particularly with the growing frustration over skyrocketing property prices and their impact on younger generations trying to enter the housing market. This issue remains an ongoing concern, with voters questioning the effectiveness of government policies in addressing the crisis.

Both major parties have acknowledged housing affordability as a critical issue. Labor's $10 billion plan aims to build 100,000 homes over eight years and assist first-time buyers with a 5% deposit. The Coalition proposes measures like banning foreign property buyers and offering mortgage interest tax deductions. However, economic and policy critics argue that these policies may not sufficiently address the underlying supply and affordability challenges.​ Immigration remains a contentious issue, with many Australians linking high levels of immigration to challenges in housing affordability and the pressure it places on infrastructure and services. There is ongoing debate about the economic and social impacts of migration, with some arguing that population growth is outpacing the ability to provide affordable housing, while others highlight the benefits of immigration to Australia's workforce and economy. Access to support services for homelessness and the rising cost of childcare are significant concerns for many families. Public conversations reflect a desire for comprehensive reform to address these challenges, with calls for more affordable childcare and better social safety nets for those facing homelessness.

Tax Reform

Taxation policies are another hotly debated issue, with a clear divide in public opinion regarding income tax cuts, corporate tax rates, and the overall fairness of the existing tax structure. Voters are particularly concerned about whether the tax system is truly equitable and whether it is structured in a way that best supports long-term economic growth and addresses the rising cost of living.

There is significant public interest in the role of minor parties, such as the Greens, and independent candidates. These parties are being increasingly viewed as potential disruptors in the political landscape, with growing discussions around strategic voting and the real possibility of a hung parliament. Voters are questioning whether the dominance of major parties is still reflective of the political will of the people, particularly as dissatisfaction with the current two-party system grows.

One key area of where tax reform could be highly useful is to boost production in Australia. There is a growing desire among Australians for greater domestic production and self-sufficiency, particularly in manufacturing. Voters are advocating for policies that promote local industries and create more jobs within Australia, reducing dependence on overseas manufacturing. Debates around the management of Australia's natural resources, including the need for more onshore processing of raw materials, continue to be a significant point of discussion. Many Australians are calling for a more strategic approach to resource management that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Energy Policy

The debate over Australia's energy future is a key issue, with many citizens questioning the balance between transitioning to renewable energy and maintaining a reliable supply of fossil fuels. The affordability and reliability of different energy sources are key topics of discussion, with some Australians feeling uncertain about the pace of the transition to renewable energy and the potential costs associated with this shift. However, there continues strong public support for the transition to renewable energy, though concerns remain about the reliability of the grid and the adequacy of storage solutions to support a 100% renewable energy future. Many Australians are calling for greater investment in renewable technologies and grid infrastructure to ensure a stable and affordable energy supply.

In recent news, Labor has committed to net-zero emissions and acknowledged the scientific consensus on climate change. The Coalition supports nuclear energy expansion and has been criticised for lacking a clear stance on climate science. The Greens advocate for more ambitious climate action, including stronger emissions reduction targets and increased investment in renewable energy.​ In light of rising geopolitical tensions, Australians are calling for greater transparency and balance in foreign policy. On Reddit, Australia's international alliances are also under scrutiny. The AUKUS security pact and Australia’s relationship with the United States and the United Kingdom are key topics, as is growing concern about the influence of China in the Pacific and beyond.

Heathcare

Both parties have pledged to maintain bulk billing and invest in Medicare. However, there is a call for more substantial reforms to address the structural challenges facing the healthcare system. Access to affordable healthcare remains a key issue, with many Australians concerned about the declining availability of bulk billing and rising out-of-pocket costs for medical services. These concerns are compounded by the financial strain on families and individuals, particularly in rural and remote areas where healthcare access is already limited. Further, there is a growing call for expanded access to mental health services and dental care under the Medicare system. Australians are increasingly vocal about the need for greater government investment in these areas, which are seen as vital to overall public health and wellbeing.

Ongoing concerns about the adequacy of Centrelink payments, as well as the management of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), are central to ongoing public debates. Many Australians feel that the support provided by the welfare system is insufficient, and that more needs to be done to ensure vulnerable populations are adequately supported.

Education and Skills

The affordability of tertiary education, particularly university and vocational training, is a growing concern. Discussions often focus on the burden of HECS/HELP debt and the potential for initiatives like Free TAFE to alleviate some of this financial pressure. Australians are keen to see greater investment in education that doesn’t leave young people with long-term financial burdens. This sentiment is heightened further when discussing the disparities in school funding between public and private institutions. Many Australians are advocating for more equitable funding to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or location, have access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed. The Coalition has proposed measures to reduce immigration and cap international student numbers, which has been met with criticism from advocacy groups. Labor has not articulated a clear position on these issues, and the Greens advocate for more inclusive immigration policies.

Since Labor supports fee-free TAFE and increased funding for public schools, and the Coalition proposes conditions on school funding without detailed policies, the public is unable to understand the long-term effects of changing education policy. The Greens advocate for equitable access to education and increased investment in public education which seems to lead to a considerable number of public discussions reflecting growing cynicism towards Australia's political system, with a marked distrust in both major parties and politicians. A particularly critical view is held towards Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, with many comparisons drawn to figures like Donald Trump. A recurring theme in these conversations is the perceived media bias, especially in outlets owned by Rupert Murdoch, which many feel distort public perception. This general sense of distrust began in the first week but deepened in second week (after the announcement of election dates), where online discussions became more focused on the topic of broken promises, political opportunism, and the lack of accountability within the political establishment.

These insights shared by partners of Australian Internet Observatory allow readers to understand the key political issues and sentiments among Australian Reddit users before the nearing election. The findings highlight widespread political cynicism, economic anxiety, and significant concerns about housing affordability, healthcare access, and energy policy. These insights are crucial for understanding the public's priorities and the challenges facing political leaders in addressing these issues. Political candidates must take notice of these significant emotions that are stirring within the general public to ensure advocating for policies that address key issues such as economic stability, healthcare access, housing affordability, and environmental sustainability.

This work is part of the HASS & Indigenous Research Data Commons, supported by the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC).