22 May 2025
How satisfied are Australians with their institutions and standard of living? How have these views changed over time?
This MEF explored these questions with insights from economists at the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research.
The following three speakers presented at the forum to address these questions:
- Professor Roger Wilkins, “Have changes in the Australian labour market contributed to voter disaffection? “
Drawing on HILDA Survey data, Professor Roger Wilkins will discuss changes in the Australian labour market since 2001. His analysis reveals some deterioration in labour market outcomes for young men without university qualifications. - Associate Professor Viet Nguyen, “Does economic disaffection affect consumers’ voting choices in Australia?“
Associate Professor Viet Nguyen will examine the shift in voting patterns following the Global Financial Crisis, which has seen a rise of support for non-major parties. His work will explore the correlation between worsening consumer perceptions of the economy and a decline in economic activity, which drives voters away from mainstream parties. - Dr Kushneel Prakash, “Perception and reality of energy poverty in Australia”
Dr Kushneel Prakash will provide evidence on which demographic groups are more likely to be in energy poverty; examine how energy poverty is related to indicators of subjective wellbeing and how being in energy stress influences voting intentions in Federal elections.
All papers and slides can be viewed in the Papers section of this website