In a new report released by Roy Morgan, 46 per cent of Australians mentioned environmental concerns as the biggest issue facing the world. However, when it came to acting upon it, only 24 per cent believed it’s Australia’s primary concern.

What’s top of mind for Australians?

Domestically, Australians are more concerned with issues affecting their day-to-day existence. Issues of the economy, such as the rising cost of living, unemployment concerns and the gap between the rich and poor, top the list.

Environmental issues, including global warming, water conservation including the Murray-Darling, rank second to the economy with 24 per cent of respondents concerned. 

Roy Morgan’s chief executive officer, Michele Levine, stated: “The environment played a large role in the recent federal election although not in the way some may have imagined, with the fight of the Adani coalmine in central Queensland ultimately proving a winner for the Coalition.”

Eleven per cent of Australians believe that social concerns, including education issues, crime, welfare and family breakdowns, are the top issues facing the nation.

Government politics, religion, immigration, human rights and the energy crisis round out the major issues that keep Australians awake at night. 

The rest of the world 

When considering the wider world, Australian investors believe the environment and global warming are the two biggest issues, coming in at 46 and 34 per cent, respectively.

“Nearly half of Australian respondents mentioned an environmental issue (46 per cent) when asked to nominate the most important problem facing the world, more than double the second-placed economic issues (21 per cent),” said Ms Levine.

The economic issues mentioned include the rising inequity between the haves and the have-nots, the rise of the cost of living, trade wars and over-population issues. 

Other themes the world needs to react to include social issues relating to crime, law and order, drugs, education, moral decline and family breakdown.

Terrorism/war and security problems rounded out the top concerns. 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About the author

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

About the author

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

more on this topic

Retirement Planning

Young educators prioritise retirement over home ownership and family planning

In a significant shift from traditional financial priorities, young educators in Australia are placing greater emphasis on saving for retirement over other life milestones such as home ownership, ...Read more

Retirement Planning

Retirement happiness on the rise, but cost-of-living worries cloud confidence

Australians aged 60 and over are generally positive about their retirement, but concerns about the rising cost of living continue to impact their lifestyle and financial security, according to the ...Read more

Retirement Planning

Australia's retirement system nears tipping point as withdrawals surpass contributions

State Street has unveiled a significant new research series, "Reimagining Retirement," which highlights a critical juncture for Australia's retirement system. The study, released on 1 April 2026, ...Read more

Retirement Planning

Online wills initiative aims to boost superannuation and retirement engagement

In a bid to increase engagement with superannuation and retirement planning, Aware Super has expanded its online wills service, following a successful pilot program. The initiative, launched in ...Read more

Retirement Planning

New digital platform revolutionises retirement planning for Aware Super members

A groundbreaking digital platform by Aware Super is transforming the way retirees plan and manage their pensions, with significant results already seen in the pilot phase. The tool, named Retirement ...Read more

Retirement Planning

The retirement mortgage squeeze: how one bank turned a demographic risk into a strategic edge

An increasing share of Australians are entering their 60s still paying off mortgages, just as living costs and interest charges stay stubbornly high. For banks, super funds, retailers and ...Read more

Retirement Planning

The retirement mortgage crunch: what it means for banks, retailers and policy in Australia

A growing share of Australians are carrying mortgages into their 60s and beyond, colliding with persistent cost-of-living pressures and a “slow grind” macro outlook. This isn’t just a social story; it ...Read more

Retirement Planning

Majority of Australians still unsure about their retirement prospects

A recent survey conducted by MFS Investment Management® has shed light on the ongoing uncertainty faced by many Australians regarding their retirement plans. Despite a slight increase in confidence ...Read more