The research, conducted ahead of the Federal Government’s economic and productivity roundtables, finds a clear majority either support reform now or are open to it. Only one in ten Australians oppose reform this term. 

Australians are signalling that the time for action is now. Almost two-thirds say the government should consult widely, but not delay decisions until after another election. They want a process that combines genuine consultation with clear explanations of the evidence behind the benefits of the policy, the trade-offs, credible input from independent experts, and decisions made in parallel with engagement. 

Fairness, efficiency and budget sustainability are the reform principles that matter most, while terms like “productivity” resonate far less unless linked to everyday outcomes such as cost of living, health care and aged care. 

Voters are prepared to support targeted measures such as higher taxes on higher-income earners, but firmly oppose changes that would increase personal household costs or remove concessions for low-income households and retirees. Support for increasing taxes on higher-income earners is consistent across all generations, with Boomers and Post War Australians showing the strongest backing. 

“This research shows Australians are ready for meaningful economic and tax reform. There’s a strong appetite for action that is well-consulted, clearly explained and focused on benefits that last well beyond the next few years.” McKinnon CEO Mike Baird AO said. 

He said the findings highlight a rare opportunity for bipartisan leadership. “Sixty percent of Australians believe the Opposition should play an active role, even in a majority parliament. That tells us there’s strong public support for a collaborative approach.” 

The poll confirms the key ingredients for success for tax and economic reform in the eyes of the Australian public. “The two key elements of success are long-term benefits and fairness. These findings reinforce that they must be the foundation for any proposals, and for the way we bring people together to work through them.” McKinnon Executive Director Jay Weatherill AO said. 

Mr Weatherill noted the breadth of support across generations as a significant finding. 

“One of the most striking findings is that across every generation, there is agreement that economic reform needs to occur. Both younger and older Australians recognise that well-planned change is essential for the nation’s long-term prosperity.” 

The McKinnon Poll findings underline that while Australians are open to tough decisions, they expect reforms to be transparent, fair and targeted to those with greater capacity to contribute. Measures that risk placing additional pressure on vulnerable households will be rejected. 

Key Findings – 13 August 2025 (Sample Size: 2,000) 

 1. Overall support for reform 

• 51% support the Government pursuing major economic reform now 

• Only 10% oppose reform this term 

• 64% agree the Government should consult but not delay until after another election 

• 44% rate support for going beyond election commitments at 7–10/10; only 16% rate it 0–3/10 

2. Most important considerations in prioritising reform 

• Efficiency – 51% 

• Budget sustainability – 49% 

• Fairness/equity – 46% 

3. Top drivers of support 

• Clear evidence of long-term benefits – 61% 

• Good public explanation – 53% 

• Fairness across income groups – 48% 

4. Views on specific measures 

• 55% support higher taxes on higher-income earners; 19% oppose 

• Only 17–18% support removing concessions for low-income households or retirees 

• Only 17% support reforms that increase costs to their household; 53% oppose 

• 65% want reforms staged over time 

• 51% are open to packaged reforms introduced together 

5. Generational differences 

• Increased taxes on higher-income earners: Net support across all generations — strongest among Boomers (+48) and Post War Australians (+50); Gen Z (+33) and Millennials (+28) also strongly supportive 

• Disproportionately affected some groups but improved the system overall: Modest net support from Gen Z (+5) and Millennials (+7); net opposition from women (–5); small positive from regional Australians (+1) 

• Temporary negative economic impacts: Net opposition across all generations; Gen Z (–5) and Millennials (–6) less negative than Post War Australians (–23) 

• Removed concessions from lower-income earners: Strong net opposition in every cohort, from –18 (Gen Z/Millennials) to –80 (Post War Australians) 

• Increased costs for you or your immediate family: Rejected by all generations; opposition from –24 (Gen Z) and –29 (Millennials) to –48 (Post War Australians) 

• Removed concessions that benefit retirees: Opposed across the board; Gen Z (–21) and Millennials (–22) less negative than Post War Australians (–78) 

About The McKinnon Poll  

The McKinnon Poll aims to encourage better policymaking by providing a richer and more in-depth understanding of public opinion as an input into the policymaking process. It does this by commissioning high quality public opinion research on topics that are of significant policy interest, but where there is potentially a gap between actual public opinion and policymakers’ understanding of public opinion.  

JWS Research conducts the McKinnon Poll on behalf of McKinnon.