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Lowy Institute Poll 2026 Report

Charles Lyons-Jones undefined
2026 Report

Economy and trade

Economic optimism

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Economic optimism

Thinking about Australia’s economic performance in the world. Overall, how optimistic are you about Australia’s economic performance in the world over the next five years?

  1. 0%
  2. 20%
  3. 40%
  4. 60%
  5. 80%
  6. 100%
2005
14
53
67
2007
19
52
71
2008
11
65
76
2009
16
70
86
2010
19
67
86
2012
12
61
73
2013
14
62
76
2015
9
54
63
2016
9
61
70
2017
9
65
74
2019
5
60
65
2020
3
49
52
2021
10
69
79
2022
5
57
62
2023
3
59
62
2024
4
54
58
2025
[object Object]
50
52
2026
[object Object]
39
41
  • Very optimistic
  • Optimistic

A neutral option was offered to respondents in 2005 and 2007.
Indicates change in mode.

Supply chains

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Supply chains

Now thinking about global trade and the supply chains through which Australia sources goods from other countries. In your opinion, which of the following statements should be a higher priority for Australia?

  1. 0%
  2. 25%
  3. 50%
  4. 75%
  5. 100%
2023
70
29
2026
68
29
  • Ensuring that supply chains run through countries that are friendly towards Australia, even if it means higher prices
  • Keeping prices as low as possible, even if it means that supply chains run through countries that are unfriendly towards Australia

Lowy Institute Poll results on this issue are almost identical to those from polling conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs in the United States in November 2022. Asked a similar question, seven in ten Americans (69%) say the United States should prioritise ensuring supply chains run through friendly countries, even if this means higher prices. Only three in ten (29%) say the United States should prioritise keeping prices as low as possible, even if it means supply chains run through unfriendly countries.

Climate change and energy

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