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Trends + Insights

The Social Research Centre excels in creating evidence-based policy change. Our word is trusted in this space for our continuous drive to innovate and expand our knowledge in the field.

2023

2024

2025

2026

2023 Social Trends Report

In 2023, the Social Research Centre surveyed over 800,000 individuals. Year after year we continue to make insights and discoveries that spotlight issues and trends that surprise ourselves.

130,000+ telephone surveys

750,000+ online surveys

108 projects

  

Focus groups & in-depth discussions with over 1,125 Australians

Across 8 Focus Areas

  

A group of protesters, one holding a placard.

Attitudes + Values

87

%

of Australians think that 

‘It is important for First Nations peoples to have a voice/say in matters that affect them.’

The data suggests that Australians think that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians continue to suffer levels of disadvantage that is both caused by past government policies and that justified extra government assistance. They did not see the Voice model put to them as the right approach to remedy that disadvantage.

Explore more findings by visiting:

Australian National University x Life in Australia™

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72

%

of the Year 10 respondents were planning to eventually go to university after school.

The decade-long GENERATION study follows the journey of young Australians, as they transition to life beyond school. It is the largest longitudinal study of its kind, designed to reflect the collective experience of young Australians – inside and outside school, while providing both participants and educators valuable insights into career interests and post-school plans.

Explore more findings by visiting:

The Australian National University’s Generation Survey x Social Research Centre

Education + Knowledge

  

  

  

  

  

This landmark research led by The Australian National University and conducted in collaboration with the Australian Council for Educational Research and the Social Research Centre, includes more than 18,000 year 10 students from 300 high schools across Australia. 

  

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Workforce + Economy

62

%

of Australians feel optimistic about Australia’s economic performance in the next five years, despite global economic headwinds.

For nearly two decades, the Lowy Institute’s flagship annual poll has revealed how Australians see the world and their place in it. It is the leading Australian survey on foreign policy and informs public debate. Since 2018, the Lowy Institute Poll has been conducted by the Social Research Centre (SRC), using the Life in Australia™ panel – the only probability-based online panel in Australia.

Explore more findings by visiting:

Lowy Institute Poll x Life In Australia™

A group of surfers in the ocean with waves.

53

%

of Australians are completely satisfied with the relationship they chose as the most important or meaningful

The Relationship Indicators project is a nationally representative survey into the state of relationships in Australia. Relationships are a major part of the human experience. From the moment we are born, we are in relationships with ourselves and others. Relationships Australia has relaunched the Relationship Indicators survey to help us understand the importance of relationships across the course of our lives. 

Explore more findings by visiting:

Relationships Australia’s Relationship Indicators x Life in Australia™

Environment + Sustainability

  

  

  

  

  

  

Strong and reliable relationships improve wellbeing, loneliness and mental health, and can predict satisfaction with life more generally.
Many people crossing the street with sun rays bursting through.

Identity + Belonging

86

%

of people agreed that the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the wider Australian community is very important for the nation.

The 2023 Mapping Social Cohesion survey reveals that while Australians have remained remarkably resilient, our social cohesion is under pressure and declining on several fronts, straining the fabric of our communities. 

Explore more findings by visiting:

Scanlon Foundation Research Institute’s Mapping Social Cohesion 2023  x Life In Australia™

  

  

  

  

  

We continue to face difficult national and global circumstances, global conflict, economic pressures and uncertainty and division over issues such as the Voice referendum.