Older Australians are not just feeling dissatisfied with the 2026 Federal Budget, overwhelmingly they expect it to make their lives worse. COTA SA’s Federal Budget survey of nearly 400 people aged over 50 shows while 62% feel negative about the Budget overall, an even higher 71% believe it will negatively affect them personally with some even describing aspects of the budget package as ageist.

The gap highlights a shift beyond general criticism, pointing instead to a strong belief that the Budget will directly increase cost-of-living pressures and reduce the support available for older Australians.

Sentiment turns sharply negative

Overall sentiment has deteriorated significantly compared to last year. Just 20% expressed positive feelings about the 2026 Federal Budget as nearly two-thirds (62%) of respondents described their feelings about the 2026 Budget as negative, including 35% who said they felt very negative.

This marks a notable shift from the 2025 Federal Budget survey, when fewer respondents expressed negativity (49%) and more remained neutral (26%). In 2026, neutrality has dropped to 13%, showing a shift toward a strengthened negative view.

In last year’s COTA SA’s Federal Election survey, a majority of older Australians (55%) reported being satisfied with the election outcome, compared to 30% who were dissatisfied. This suggests that the sentiment of older Australians towards the Federal Budget has not been driven purely by political preference. Rather, their response reflects a specific and growing concern about its perceived impacts on their financial security and wellbeing.

For some respondents, this has gone beyond dissatisfaction with policy settings to concern about fairness at a structural level. While most feedback focused on cost of living, health, and financial pressures, a number of respondents described aspects of the Budget as ageist, reflecting a broader perception that older Australians are being disproportionately impacted and overlooked in the framing of policy priorities.

“Older Australians… are always the last group to get extra benefits from budgets.”

“Pensioners miss out and are made to feel unnecessary.”

“It is perhaps the most ageist budget in Australian history. Worse than that it’s dressed up as intergenerational equity, when the reality is younger Australians will be hit by a raft of unintended consequences.”

From security to uncertainty

Concerns about financial security are particularly acute among those on fixed incomes, including pensioners and retirees with limited superannuation. Many described cutting back on essentials such as heating and food, highlighting limited capacity to absorb additional costs.

“Everything has gone up… I can’t afford heating or groceries.”

“The cost of living is biting hard. I don’t think there is much help for me.”

The absence of a pension increase was repeatedly raised as a key failure, highlighting the view that the financial pressures on older people in a cost-of-living crisis are being overlooked.

Some respondents raised concerns that the changes announced to capital gains tax and negative gearing could undermine financial security, particularly for Australians who have planned and saved for retirement based on existing tax settings.

“This budget penalises those who saved and planned.”

“A lifetime of work… now under threat.”

Health costs emerge as a particular pain point

COTA SA consistently hears that cost-of-living and access to healthcare are the two most pressing concerns in the lives of older South Australians, and this was strongly reflected in the Federal Budget survey results. Changes to private health insurance rebates for those aged 65 and over, were referenced by many respondents who observed it was both financially burdensome and fundamentally unfair.

“We can’t afford private health insurance, but we can’t afford not to have it.”

Respondents also indicated concern about broader system impacts, warning that reduced private health coverage could place additional strain on public hospitals.

“Hospital waiting lists and ramping will get longer as more older Australians will ditch their Private Health Insurance.”

At the same time, some positive healthcare measures were acknowledged. Respondents welcomed new PBS listings and the announcement of a free RSV vaccination, recognising these as important steps in improving access to essential medicines and preventative care.

Several respondents also pointed to gaps in the broader health system, noting that essential services such as routine dental care are not covered under Medicare. In this context, the removal of the private health insurance rebate is seen as compounding an already difficult situation, with high out-of-pocket funds forcing some to choose between maintaining adequate health cover with managing increasing day-to-day expenses.

Aged care system still under pressure

While some acknowledged increased funding into aged care, many feel that it falls short of what is needed.

Key concerns include long wait times for home care packages, shortages of residential aged care places and hospitals being used as “default care” due to lack of alternatives

“Way too little is being done to fix the shortage of aged care beds.”

“Older people remain in hospital because there’s nowhere else to go.”

Intergenerational equity narrative sparks backlash

One of the most strongly expressed themes is opposition to the way “intergenerational equity” is being framed in public debate.

We asked survey respondents how they felt different generations had been considered in the Federal Budget. Responses indicated support for initiatives aimed at helping younger generations, recognising the financial pressures they face. At the same time, a significant number rejected the stereotype that baby boomers are universally wealthy, emphasising that financial circumstances vary widely amongst older Australians. Respondents highlighted significant diversity within older cohorts, noting that many are financially vulnerable, especially women, renters, and those who worked before compulsory superannuation.

COTA SA shares COTA Australia’s concern that public and media discourse around the Federal Budget framing policy decisions as a contest between younger and older Australians is harmful, when the real challenge is inequality within generations and across the community.

You can see a graphic snapshot of COTA SA’s Federal Budget survey response results here.

Thank you to everyone who shared their views with us. Your insights shape our work and strengthen our advocacy for older South Australians. If you’re over 50, we invite you to become a COTA SA member. Membership is free for all older South Australians who want to support our work and stay involved in highlighting the issues that matter most. Become a COTA SA member today.