Anxiety in 2026 surpasses COVID-19 levels

National research from McCrindle suggests a unique set of pressures facing the Australian psyche, as international unrest and economic volatility ripple through society in ways reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Australians feel more anxious now (51%) than in March 2020 (45%) , when the pandemic first began .
• Uncertainty about the future is also slightly higher, with two in five Australians (43%) feeling extremely or very uncertain about the future, compared to 39% in 2020.
• 7 in 10 Australians (70%) report being extremely or very concerned about emerging or growing international wars or conflicts.
• 77% of petrol car drivers have adapted their driving habits due to rising fuel costs. Most likely to have limited driving to essential trips (55%), taken public transport more (23%) or walked more instead of driving (20%).
• As fuel prices rise, 1 in 3 Australians are open to the transition to electric vehicles for their future transport needs. Three in ten (31%) are extremely or very open to owning an electric vehicle .

National psyche under pressure

Australians are feeling more anxious now than in March 2020. While personal vulnerability is slightly lower today (23% cf. 29% in 2020) . Younger generations are disproportionately affected by these negative emotions, feeling more overwhelmed or scared than older Australians. Gen Z individuals are 1.9 times more likely to feel overwhelmed than Baby Boomers and 2.2 times more likely to feel panicked.

Shifts in behaviour and spending

In response to global threats and fuel shocks, three in ten (30%) have delayed non -essential spending. Nearly three in ten Australians (29%) have made no changes to their habits and are simply getting on with life. This steadfastness is most evident among Baby Boomers (43%) compared to Gen Z (18%).

Is the fuel crisis going to be a catalyst for EV adoption?

Over half of petrol car drivers (55%) have limited their driving to essential trips only, while 23% have increased their use of public transport. 6% are carpooling instead of driving alone revealing that amidst challenging times there’s an opportunity for increased community amongst commuters. This adjustment is also sparking interest in EVs. Three in ten Australians (31%) are now extremely or very open to owning an electric vehicle. However, a generational divide is revealed , with half of Baby Boomers (53%) stating they are not at all open to the change, compared to just 12% of Gen Z .