Credit: Tim Mossholder
Bastion Insights has released details of its latest COVID-19 Research Report covering the return of widespread lockdowns.
This work, with current data coillected July 3, tracks Australian's changing sentiment and attitudes to their health, finances, spending habits, family dynamics, the economy and the government's response.
More than three-quarters (77%) of Australians continue to feel optimistic (or neutral) about the future: both personally and in terms of the nation.
But a bigger proportion of the population is feeling the impact of COVID-19.
And 80% think it will be 2023 or later before an end to COVID significantly impacting lives.
The researech also shows mental health and resilience are being worn down.
Key findings:
- With more lockdowns, a larger portion of the population are again feeling the impact of COVID. For the first time in more than 12 months most people across all states feel COVID is still significantly impacting their lives.
- 55% of Australians are concerned for the health of the community. This is similar to levels seen in May, 2020, and down from a peak of 79% in March 2020.
- The research continues to show that concern about their current financial situation remains low for most Australians at the start of July. However, a core segment of one in five Australians are extremely or fairly worried about their finances.
- Across Australia, confidence in security of employment in the next 12 months is relatively steady with two thirds confident about employment.
- 80% of Australians feel it will be 2023 or later before an end to COVID significantly impacting their lives. Females are more pessimistic than males (85% female, 75% male). Younger Australians (<30) are more positive than older (30+).
- Indicators of psychological distress have significantly increased since the last survey in March 21. Mental health and resilience are being worn down.
- Perceptions of the federal government’s response is at its lowest level since start of the pandemic, with Victorians’ perceptions the lowest.
- Australians are living more locally today than they were 12 months ago. More than one third (36%) are spending 80% or more of their discretionary income within 5km of their home compared to 20% pre-COVID.
- The devastation in the travel sector continues. Snap lockdowns have further increased Australians’ concern to plan and book travel.
After 15 months into the pandemic, Bastion asked Australians what are they spending more time or money on.
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