As the peak body for older South Australians, COTA SA is dedicated to understanding the views and concerns of older people across the state and advocating on their behalf. Following the Federal Election result, we conducted an online survey to hear directly from our community about the issues that influenced their vote in this Federal Election and explore what the result means to them.

We received an overwhelming response of 721 responses across all electorates of South Australia. Notably, there was strong consistency in responses across South Australian electorates, indicating a shared experience among older South Australians.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete COTA SA’s Federal Election survey and share their valuable insights with us. As always, we will use these insights to inform our ongoing advocacy for the rights and interests of all older people across the state.

Overall, a majority of respondents expressed satisfaction with the election result. More than half (55%) indicated they were either very satisfied (38%) or satisfied (17%) with the Federal Election results. On the contrary, 14% felt neutral and 30% were dissatisfied (Very Dissatisfied 22%; Dissatisfied 7%).

This election marked a significant milestone: for the first time in history, younger voters outnumbered older people at the ballot box. Our survey indicated that older South Australians were conscious of this shift in focus and noted their concerns, referencing a lack of attention and policy promises made with older people in mind. As one respondent said: “I’m not sure that older Australians really feature very highly in political decisions. It’s mainly about youth, young adults and housing. Older Australians are not valued very highly.”

The top issues that influenced the vote of older South Australians’ this Federal Election were cost-of-living (55%), access to health care (50%), climate change (37%), housing (30%), aged care system (27%). The top four issues echo the major party’s policy agenda this Federal Election, with the exception of aged care. Given the major reforms currently underway in the aged care system - including the introduction of the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home program - understandably this is a topic that is front of mind for older South Australians.

COTA SA regularly surveys older South Australians to understand what the top issues are for them at any given moment as part of our continuous ‘How are you going survey’. The latest results from this survey show the top issues for older South Australians are cost-of-living (52%), Access to healthcare (45%), aged care system (40%), isolation and loneliness (28%), digital literacy / technology / scams (25%).

When compared with the Federal Election survey results, we see there is clear alignment with cost-of-living and access to healthcare as key concerns, however older South Australians are looking for meaningful action from Federal politicians when it comes to climate change and housing as critical issues which influenced their vote this year.

Overall, whilst the majority of survey respondents felt satisfied that Australia would see a continued Labor government, many expressed doubt that the election result would lead to real meaningful change for older South Australians specifically, and felt that they do not appear to be on the political agenda.

Particularly for cost-of-living pressures, while some respondents hoped for relief for day-to-day expenses, many believed it was unlikely that any real change would occur. With common concerns: rising energy bills and food prices; Insufficient income and no increase to pension payments; scepticism of temporary or symbolic relief measures (eg. energy bonuses).

Respondents were more hopeful that older South Australians would be better looked after with regards to health and aged care under a Labor government. Respondents expressed support for improved access to bulk billing at GP’s and were hopeful that the government would successfully implement the aged care reforms: “While nothing was specifically offered by either party for older SA’s, the Aged Care Act is in play and hopefully will help.”

Older South Australians expressed support for policy action on climate change and are hopeful that the Labor Government will be able to act on this. For some respondents, voting on climate change was their top priority, for the benefit both themselves and future generations, as one respondent stated: “Sorting out the future for those who come after us is as important to older people as providing for their own particular needs”.

“Labor Party not great but better than alternative. Issue was where preference went as I voted independent.”

“I feel the 2 major parties take us for granted, I did not put them as first/second preference but last”

Our survey indicated that almost a quarter of respondents (24%) changed their vote this election. These results are largely in line with broader opinion polls, showing there are more swing voters and soft voters in Australia than at any time in modern history, with a pre-election poll showing 32% of voters were uncommitted when asked ‘How firm are you with your vote?' .

In our 2025 Federal Budget survey, which we conducted in April, when asked whether the budget announcements would influence their vote, 15% of respondents said they were considering changing their vote as a result of budget announcements, and another 16% remained unsure. A majority of respondents (69%) indicated that their vote would remain unchanged—either because the budget had no impact on their decision (48%) or because it reinforced their choice (21%).

As one respondent summarised: “After the Budget I was very unhappy that older retired people did not benefit as they are not "wage earners". Initially I was not going to vote Labor, but closer to the Election I decided to stay with Labor who I had been a supporter for approx. 50+ years.”

When asked about the potential impact of the Federal Election result on the South Australian state election next year, respondents expressed a strong sense of political momentum. Many felt that the Federal Labor victory would enhance Labor's prospects in the 2026 state election.

As the State Budget approaches, we remain committed to advocating to the Malinauskas Government to ensure that the issues and concerns of older South Australians continue to be a priority.