The latest Australian Election Study (AES) results reveal that, for the first time in the 2025 federal election, the Coalition has lost its long-held image as the “better economic manager.” Voters generally perceive the Labor Party as more credible on policies relating to the economy, taxation, housing, and cost of living. The study notes that while the Coalition led Labor by 26 percentage points in 2019, it fell behind by 4 points in 2025—signaling a major shift in its core political assets.
The research, conducted post-election by the Australian National University and Griffith University, surveyed 2,070 voters. Data shows that in nine out of ten policy areas, voters favored Labor, including healthcare, education, and climate change, with the Coalition maintaining an edge only on national security. Although 42% of voters anticipate the economy will worsen over the next year, overall pessimism has declined since 2022, reflecting some confidence in the current government’s economic stability.
On leadership ratings, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was rated the least popular major-party leader since AES began in 1987, perceived as lacking leadership and motivational qualities—a key factor in the Coalition’s election losses. In contrast, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese enjoys higher approval ratings, but the study notes a long-term decline in voter trust toward major leaders overall, not limited to the opposition.
The report also highlights changes in voter composition—25% of voters indicated they do not identify with any party, a historic high, surpassing the proportion supporting the Liberal Party (24%) for the first time. The study points out that only 21% of millennial voters backed the Coalition in 2025, continuing a trend of younger voters moving away from conservative parties, posing potential challenges for both major parties’ future political landscape.