It’s less than we worry about cost of living, housing and crime, but it’s up there.
Access to health and community care is a major concern for Australians, especially Tasmanians and South Australians.
That’s according to the Flinders Wicked Problems Report, based on responses gathered in December last year from 30,000 Australians.
Asked to detail what problems they considered a major concern, cost of living topped the list (65% of respondents) followed by housing unaffordability (37%) and crime and safety (32%).
Access to quality healthcare and community care came in at number four (26%).
This included long waitlists for operations and appointments, limited access to public healthcare including emergency and mental health services, rural and regional services, and aged care and social services.
Healthcare access was also more of a concern for rural respondents compared to metropolitan residents, and for Baby Boomers compared with other generations surveyed.
“New thinking in healthcare delivery models, whole-of-system approaches, and infrastructure improvements is critical to address a health system in crisis,” the report said.
“Increased investment in health promotion, primary healthcare, active ageing and innovative models of care is needed, especially for marginalised communities.
“Links between the health and social care systems need to be enhanced, and strengthening emergency services, addressing workforce challenges, and improving regional access is crucial.”
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The environment was raised as a major concern by 21% of respondents, with climate change topping the list of specific worries, along with natural disasters and protecting national resources.
“The health of our communities is tied to the environment, which provides our food, air, and water. Managing these systems is crucial for prosperity,” the report said.
Nearly one in five respondents (18%) said family, domestic and sexual violence was a top concern, especially domestic violence and the safety of women and children.
“Teaching young people about healthy relationships and positive masculinities, and increased funding for prevention programs and support services is crucial,” the report said.
At the same time, 15% of respondents said trust in government and public institutions was one of their major concerns, most importantly a lack of confidence in the government’s ability to tackle issues.
Respondents cited lack of action, declining trust in public institutions, politics and democracy and a disconnection from the political process.
“We must ensure political institutions like the public service, political parties, and government are open, accessible, and transparent. Effective communication about their actions is crucial to help the public understand their roles. Addressing the root causes of mistrust through these measures can rebuild confidence and strengthen democracy,” the report authors wrote.
It was also becoming harder for people to distinguish fact from misinformation, with 15% of respondents citing this as a major concern, especially online scams and the use of AI to spread misinformation.
The other issues nominated were global crises (15%), child safety and protection (12%), unemployment and job security (11%), education (11%), infrastructure and transport (11%), lack of community and social connection (7%) and inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (4%).
“Australians have told us clearly what is keeping them awake at night. Now it’s our job to turn that concern into action by researching solutions that make a real difference,” said Flinders University vice-chancellor Professor Colin Stirling.
The study is expected to be conducted annually by the university.
“This report puts the voice of Australians at the centre of our research agenda,” said deputy vice-chancellor (research) Professor Raymond Chan.
“We are aligning our efforts to tackle these complex challenges, working across disciplines and with partners in government, industry and the community.”
Read the full report here.