Will this be the cost-of-living election?
You have probably heard the term 'cost-of-living election'. An ANU expert explains what this means.
Article by:
Hannah Dixon
ANU Reporter Deputy Editor
Elections are often described using one defining issue. Dr Jill Sheppard from the ANU School of Politics and International Relations is confident that 2025 will be about cost of living.
“Once you start thinking about cost-of-living, it’s confirmed for you everywhere,” she says.
“Everything feels more expensive. And no matter how much data you get shown that tells you otherwise, it’s already in your brain and you can’t turn off that connection.”
So, will we keep hearing politicians talking about your rising grocery bills? And will it change the results at the ballot box?
Both major parties have a campaigning sweet spot that mean talking about cost-of-living works in their interest. After all, it’s the economy, stupid.
Top image: Cost-of-living pressures at the grocery till may influence this election. Photo: Pormezz/stock.adobe
You may also like
Falling Australian life satisfaction makes cost of living top election issue
Australians are increasingly anxious about their personal and financial wellbeing, leading to the lowest life satisfaction in five years
What is caretaker mode and what does it mean for tariff negotiations?
Despite Trump’s destabilising tariffs and major international conflicts, the world won’t stop turning while Australia is in “caretaker mode”. An ANU Expert explains what this means.
Australian democracy under threat from ‘powder keg of disenchanted voters’
Embittered voters could be a threat to the integrity of Australia’s electoral processes.