On the eve of the 2025 Budget, new research from Anglicare Sydney shows more than six in ten Australians (64%) believe the cost-of-living crisis will worsen over the next 12 months, with those already struggling feeling the greatest sense of despair.
The survey of over 1,500 people, many of whom are accessing or considering Anglicare's services, revealed those Australians facing financial stress have little optimism that cost-of-living conditions will improve.
The research paints a clear picture of the challenges the Albanese Government and Coalition will need to address in their Budget addresses this week, and in the upcoming Election campaign.
Key findings include:
- 64% of respondents expect the cost-of-living crisis to worsen in the next year, reflecting widespread economic pessimism and increasing demand for support services.
- 70% of those considering or accessing mental health and counselling services, believe the crisis will deteriorate further, highlighting the toll financial hardship is taking on mental wellbeing.
- 61% of those considering or receiving food and financial assistance say housing affordability is significantly impacting their daily lives, forcing impossible choices between rent, groceries, and other essentials.
Anglicare Sydney CEO Simon Miller said these findings align with what frontline services are seeing: more families struggling, more people seeking help, and fewer signs of relief.
"We are witnessing increasing demand for our support services. People who never imagined they would need food or financial assistance are turning to us because they have nowhere else to go," Mr Miller said.
The findings come as Anglicare Sydney reports a 25% year-on-year increase in people seeking emergency food and financial assistance.
"These numbers come from families missing meals, parents skipping medical appointments, and pensioners sitting in the dark because they can't afford their power bill.
"People don't just need temporary relief; they need real solutions. That's why we're calling on the government to lift JobSeeker to at least $80 a week. The recent increase of just 22 cents a day is nowhere near enough to make a difference," Mr Miller said.
Mr Miller also urged Australians facing hardship not to struggle alone, and to reach out to charities like Anglicare.
