Taking the Pulse of the Nation (TTPN) surveys the Australian population to capture their sentiments and behaviours related to current economic and social issues
Since 2020, the Taking the Pulse of the Nation (TTPN) survey has collected compelling information on the changing behaviours and attitudes of Australians. Together, Melbourne Institute and Roy Morgan understand the value in capturing the voices of Australians on the issues that matter right now. We use this information to create expert analyses to directly inform social and economic policies for our Nation.
View the latest trends with our TTPN Tracker. This survey data is available to the public upon request. Please contact us for more information and access.
Latest news
Twelve months later: Most Australians facing high levels of challenges covering housing and/or food costs
Australians across the country are under pressure when it comes to putting food on the table, paying their utility bills and getting the healthcare they need. Many people also do not know how they would cover an unexpected expense. Our latest TTPN summary report reveals that younger adults, singles, single parents, the unemployed and people with high levels of mental distress are most vulnerable to high levels of financial insecurity due to the rising cost of living.
Financial pressures are seen widely as the key barrier to getting a university education
Australian-born residents are more likely than residents born overseas to believe that financial barriers prevent people from getting a university education. This is despite the fact that Australian-born residents are more likely to be eligible for financial help to support them while they study. Our latest TTPN summary report examines the perceived barriers to higher education.
Ongoing work-from-home negotiation converges (somewhat)
Over the past two years, employers have been asking for more time in the office, but workers have become used to the flexibility of working from home. Our latest TTPN summary report reveals that while disagreement over hours worked in the office and from home has narrowed somewhat, the wedge still remains large.
Higher education in Australia - a desired but costly investment
Getting a higher education degree brings many benefits ranging across higher income, a healthier lifestyle, and greater civic and voluntary engagement. Our latest TTPN survey reveals that most Australians aspire to attain higher education degrees, and those who get them almost never regret it. However, the significant costs involved lead people to seek various resources to finance their education, and paying off their student debt has a substantial impact on their lives.
Australians continue to face budgetary constraints in housing, food, energy and healthcare
Despite better employment, Australians continue to face increasing costs, resulting in shortage of funding to cover basic needs such as food, housing, and health expenditures. Our latest TTPN report surveyed Australians on their ability to make ends meet and the support services accessed when financially challenged.
Women continue to do more unpaid domestic work than men. Better provision of external support services and greater flexibility to work from home needed to reduce burden.
Women continue to bear the brunt of unpaid domestic work. Our latest TTPN survey explores the gender gap in unpaid domestic work, finding that cost or availability of external support services as well as lack of support from friends and families are key contributing factors.
Australians want long-term solutions from the government rather than temporary reliefs to address rising energy costs
Recent soaring energy prices have pushed many Australians into energy poverty. Our latest TTPN report surveyed Australians on their ability to meet daily energy needs and their strategies to deal with high energy costs, finding they want long-term solutions from the government to combat energy poverty.
Charitable giving in Australia is back, but not quite to pre-pandemic levels
We often think of December as a period of giving, not only to our friends and families but also to those living in our community and to charitable organisations. Our latest TTPN survey examines how rates of giving, volunteering, and lending a helping hand have changed in Australia as we’ve moved back to pre-pandemic levels of activities and socialising.
Tax rebates boosted consumption for Australians
This year, Australians earning up to $126,000 received a boost in their tax refund amount. From our TTPN survey we can see what portion of Australians' tax refunds were spent on consumption, savings or investment. We also found that the propensity to consume (or spend) the tax refund, decreased sharply with income.
Long COVID linked to mental distress, unemployment and is affecting more women than men
About 15% of Australians (1.2 million people) have reported long COVID symptoms. This report examines the association between long COVID and mental distress and employment. Professor Anthony Scott, author of the report, found that women are more likely to report having long COVID than men, have more severe symptoms including anxiety and depression, and are less likely to be employed.
High rates of food insecurity, but few Australians getting help
Food insecurity can serve as a precursor to both poverty and chronic disease. The latest TTPN survey finds that the rates of reported food insecurity in Australia are much higher than previous estimates, particularly for those aged 18 to 44, for women, those reporting high levels of financial stress, and singles both with and without children. The survey results reveal that just as financial stress remains an issue for many, we should acknowledge that food security is an issue in Australia that requires more attention.
© The University of Melbourne & Roy Morgan- Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research, 2022. This work is copyright. The material may be reproduced and distributed for non-commercial purposes only, subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgement of the source(s).