Skyrocketing living costs, the housing crisis, crime, environmental destruction, and trust in government and public institutions are among the top concerns identified by Australians in the initial results of Flinders University's Wicked Problems Survey.
Based on preliminary insights collected from focus groups in South Australia, Flinders researchers have identified 15 major issues that will shape a major national survey, which will be rolled-out to 30,000 Australians across all states and territories.
These early insights, which include diverse employment and income brackets, highlight that access to quality healthcare, inequality, underemployment, lack of community and social cohesion, and infrastructure investment are also significant concerns.
The Wicked Problems Survey is Flinders' national research initiative providing an unprecedented opportunity for Australians to decide which issues world-renowned researchers should address in their local communities.
Focus groups and drop-in sessions were held in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Port Augusta this year to lay the groundwork for the national survey.
Australians can now participate for researchers to gain an understanding of the issues impacting them and their local communities.
Flinders University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Raymond Chan, says the initial results highlight key issues for Australians, and the national survey will either confirm these findings, reveal new concerns, or both, paving the way for impactful discoveries.
"Our focus groups provided Flinders researchers with their first glimpse into the issues that matter most to Australians right now through direct engagement between the researchers and local communities. From the cost of living and the housing crisis to crime and safety, environmental degradation, and trust in institutions, there were no shortage of big-ticket issues identified in South Australia," says Professor Chan.
"The next and most important step in this process is asking 30 thousand Australians to join in telling us about the issues that need to be addressed in their communities. Your voice can help shape the future of research and drive meaningful change.
"Our researchers are ready to identify and tackle widespread problems. Flinders University is dedicated to a community-driven research agenda, working alongside government, industry, and a diverse range of experts to find solutions to these critical challenges."
Responses from the public will be amalgamated with submissions through the University's survey providers to reveal which pressing issues require new thinking and approaches.
Led by Chief Investigators Professor Ian Goodwin-Smith, Professor Timothy Cavagnaro, Professor Raymond Chan, Professor Svetlana Bogomolova and Associate Professor Selina Tually, , this group of experts aren't limited in the themes or issues they're tackling to help inform future solutions and government policy.
Chief Investigator Professor Goodwin-Smith says the researchers will collaborate with both government and industry to provide evidence that can inform future decision-making.
"We focus on both the big picture and the finer details, using evidence and knowledge to drive real-world impact effectively. Together, we change lives and make a difference."
"But this is only possible with the help of the community and so the roll out of the survey begins our journey towards actionable results."
Investigator Professor Timothy Cavagnaro says the researchers need to know the burning questions in every postcode to seek out appropriate answers.
"To fully understand the diverse challenges Australians are facing in various cities, regions and postcodes, as well as the similarities and differences, we need to precisely map out these issues by suburb, understand their causes, and recognise the unique nature of each challenge."
Members of the public can participate in the National Wicked Problems Survey until the end of November at: https://surveys.lifepointspanel.com/survey/selfserve/1aab/241074?list=0
