New research from The Australia Institute has shown that the economy, health and climate change were the top three issues of concern for Australian voters in the second half of 2020.

The Australia Institute surveyed nationally representative samples of over 1,000 Australians each month from August about what they think is the most important national political issue at the time.

Key results:

• In every month, more Australians identified the economy as the most important national political issue than any other issue (between 37% and 48%).
• Health was second-most likely to be identified as most important in every month, but has steadily declined from 35% in August to 23% in December.
• Climate change was third-most likely to be identified as most important, and has steadily increased from 7% in August to 13% in December.

“The economy has remained the issue of greatest concern for Australian voters through the second half of 2020,” said Ben Oquist, executive director of The Australia Institute.

“While health has consistently been the second most pressing issue for voters, its perceived importance has been decreasing.

“Our research shows that concerns about climate change have been steadily increasing, month on month, as we get closer to summer and the next bushfire season.

“Older Australians were more likely than younger people to identify the economy and health as the most important national political issue. Younger Australians were more likely than older people to identify the environment and education as the most important issue.”