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Australia Reports 2.2 M in Wellbeing Poverty, Satisfaction Plummets

7/20/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Australia reports 2.2 million people in wellbeing poverty and 9.7 % rating life satisfaction at four or below in 2025, up from 4.8 % in 2014 after a 2020 Covid lockdown surge.
Only 15 % of those in wellbeing poverty feel a say on community matters, versus 46 % who feel a voice.
AMP chief economist Shane Oliver warned lower-income households face steep price rises for electricity, insurance and healthcare and risk a per-capita recession.

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Story summary

Australia reports 2.2 million people in wellbeing poverty and 9.7 % rating life satisfaction at four or below in 2025, up from 4.8 % in 2014 after a 2020 Covid lockdown surge.
Only 15 % of those in wellbeing poverty feel a say on community matters, versus 46 % who feel a voice.
AMP chief economist Shane Oliver warned lower-income households face steep price rises for electricity, insurance and healthcare and risk a per-capita recession.