View from The Hill: Lowy poll shows Australians more pessimistic about almost everything

View from The Hill: Lowy poll shows Australians more pessimistic about almost everything

https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-lowy-poll-shows-australians-more-pessimistic-about-almost-everything-285368

Publish Date: 2026-06-22 08:53:00

Source Domain: theconversation.com

• Fall in Economic Optimism: There has been a significant increase in pessimism regarding Australia’s economic performance, with 59% of Australians expressing pessimism, a 12 point increase since 2025, reflecting more gloomy outlooks on the economy than even during the COVID-19 pandemic or the global Financial Crisis.

• Shift in International Trust: Trust in the United States is declining while trust in China is increasing. For the first time, a majority view the relationship with China as more important than that with the US.

• Diminished Trust in US Leadership: Confidence in President Donald Trump’s conduct in world affairs is at an all-time low with just 21% of people having confidence in him, reflecting poor perception of US behavior internationally.

• Sustained Support for US Alliance: Despite low trust in the current US administration, support for Australia’s alliance with the United States remains strong, although it is slightly declining.

• Cultural Diversity Support declines: There has been a notable decrease in support for cultural diversity, with the highest level support measured in 2024, reflecting changing societal attitudes.

• Support for Defence Initiatives: There is robust support for increased defence spending and the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, with 50% supporting increased defence spending and 68% favoring nuclear submarines.

• Global Safety Concerns: More than half of Australians feel unsafe or very unsafe in the world, marking the lowest level of safety perception in the poll’s history. Fears concerning artificial intelligence also surged to 64% perceiving the risks as outweighing the benefits.

• Fuel Security Priorities: A significant majority, 74%, favour government investment in fuel reserves infrastructure, highlighting the community’s desire for energy security.