A Sky News Pulse poll reveals a sharp generational divide regarding the impact of the Australian federal budget on household finances [1, 2].
The data highlights growing friction between age demographics, suggesting that the Albanese government's tax and spending measures are not being felt equally across the population [2].
According to the poll, 20% of Australians aged over 65 feel "much worse off" because of the budget [1]. In contrast, only four percent of voters aged 18-24 reported feeling the same level of financial decline [1]. This disparity underscores a significant gap in how different age groups perceive the government's current fiscal trajectory.
The political fallout is evident in the government's standing. The primary vote for the government has slipped to below 30% following the budget release [1]. Tom Connell, the Sky News Chief Election Analyst, said the trend was in the polling data.
Beyond generational splits, there is a broader call for fiscal restraint. Roughly 36% of voters want the government to prioritize budget savings to pay down national debt, and avoid further inflation [4]. This suggests a segment of the electorate is dissatisfied with the current spending levels—even as the benefits of those expenditures vary by age.
The budget, which was handed down last week, aimed to address various economic pressures through specific tax changes and spending measures [2]. However, the polling suggests these measures have failed to maintain broad support across the voting base [1, 2].
“20% of Australians aged over 65 feel "much worse off" because of the budget”
The divergence in sentiment between retirees and young adults indicates that the federal budget's relief measures may be failing to offset cost-of-living pressures for seniors. With a primary vote falling below the 30% threshold and a significant minority demanding debt reduction, the government faces a challenge in balancing targeted generational support with a general public demand for fiscal conservatism.
