An insult that is commonly hurled at politicians is that they are “out of touch” with middle Australia, the ocean of ordinary hard working and middle income earning mums and dads. For our latest study Middle Income Families: Lifestyle & Priorities we spoke to many such Australians and there are a couple of key things those on higher incomes should understand about their lives, worries and aspirations.
We are hearing a lot about the challenges of housing affordability lately. Just how will first home buyers manage to get a foothold in the property market? This issue does much more than foster debate about the practicalities of housing. It is asking Australians to abandon a pillar of their anticipated future. Owning a home is a core aspiration in this country and it is no longer guaranteed. The Australian dream has to adjust accordingly.