What keeps Aussies up at night? According to a major new study from Flinders University, it’s everything from the rising cost of groceries to concerns about climate change, crime and crumbling healthcare systems.
Flinders’ Wicked Problems Report, which is one of the largest of its kind, puts forth the voices of more than 30,000 Australians, asking them to identify the nation’s most pressing challenges. The goal is to shift research priorities and put public concerns in the spotlight.
The cost of living epidemic has weaved its way into many facets of daily lives and unsurprisingly topped the list, with 65% of respondents naming it as a leading issue, followed by housing affordability at 37%, crime and safety at 32%, access to healthcare at 26%, and environmental concerns at 21%.
The report reveals what troubles our nation, but also offers a clear roadmap for action. Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling says this marks a turning point for research in Australia, with academics listening to the needs of real people.
“Flinders exists to serve the community, and that starts with listening,” Colin said.
“Australians have told us what’s keeping them awake at night. Now it’s our job to turn that concern into action by researching solutions that make a real difference.”
From Gen Z’s anxiety about job security to Baby Boomers’ concerns for healthcare and climate, the data shows clear generational divides. Middle child Gen Y differed again, reporting cost of living and housing affordability as the main concern.
Women are also more likely to worry about cost-of-living and domestic violence whereas men flagged government trust and global instability as major concerns.
State differences also revealed themselves. In South Australia and Tasmania, access to healthcare was a key concern, the Northern Territory identified crime as its biggest issue, while New South Wales and Western Australian residents flagged housing affordability.
Interestingly, Australian Capital Territory residents were the most worried about the environment, while Queenslanders ranked it the lowest.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Research Professor Raymond Chan said the report will directly shape Flinders’ future research projects, which will now be driven by the “lived realities” of communities.
“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,” he 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 is set to be released annually, providing an evolving snapshot of Australia’s most complex social challenges. Does this line up with your wicked concerns?
WHAT: The Wicked Problems Report
For the National Report, click here.
For the SA Report, click here.
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