In recent years, an increasing number of young Australians have been leaving the country in search of better opportunities and a higher quality of life. There are several key reasons for this growing trend, many of which revolve around economic, social, and political issues which this article will explore.

Cost of Living Crisis

One of the most pressing and undeniable reasons which so many Australians are re-considering where they are living is the sky rocketing cost of living. Wages are failing to keep pace with high inflation, leaving many young people struggling to afford basic necessities like energy, rent, food, and insurance which are seemingly increasing by double digit percentages every year. With soaring housing cost and such a struggle to even get a rental, many are just packing their bags and search for more affordable places to live overseas.

The Housing Affordability Nightmare

Australia’s housing market has become a international hotbed for speculation, with property prices skyrocketing due to what many believe is collusion between banks, property developers, and the government. Young people, in particular, are finding it nearly impossible to secure a home, and renting isn’t much easier, with rental prices and competition rising sharply at ~9.5% per annum on average in capital cities.

Housing is increasingly viewed not as a necessity and right, but as a tool for profit from those fortunate to get into the market before them, leaving young Australians in a perpetual struggle to simply put a roof over their heads to work to work the grind.

Uncontrolled Immigration and Artificial GDP Growth

The government’s policies on high immigration are also raising concerns. Many believe that the high unsustainable levels of immigration and foreign investment are intentionally being used to artificially inflate the country’s GDP, masking the deeper issues of an economic recession, the growing wealth inequality and the unsustainable cost of living.

With a swelling population, housing demand continues to outpace supply with no real solution proposed or desire by the government to address, further driving up prices. This unchecked growth leaves many young Australians questioning whether staying in the country is a viable option if the problem is only going to get worse month after month which is seen in all sectors of the country.

Declining Quality of Life

For young Australians, life isn’t just about survival to work a job or getting by – it’s about living well with a quality of life comparable to the previous generations. With no disposable income to enjoy experiences like dining out, traveling, or other leisure activities, many are left wondering, what’s the point? Even a single pint of beer at a pub is cost prohibitive for many due to ever increasing ‘sin taxes’ that increase every 6 months.

Even if working hard, the struggle to build wealth or secure financial stability adds to this growing sense of frustration as with such high inflation it is impossible to save.

Moreover, failing essential services are pushing people away. Access to bulk-billing doctors is becoming scarce, long hospital waiting times and ambulance shortages which people die waiting for are common, and policing seems less effective than ever. These issues are compounded with high immigration which the government are not allocating the required resources for to support the growing population.

Overwhelming Taxes and Lack of Support

Australia’s high taxes, coupled with the lack of support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, is another factor driving the exodus. For those looking to start their own business, the bureaucratic red tape, financial strain, and lack of incentives make it difficult to thrive.

It’s not just aspiring business owners feeling the strain; everyday Australians are burdened by rising taxes and fees. Fuel exercise taxes increase every six months, a 2% Medicare levy is imposed on those without private health insurance, and costly road tolls add to the financial pressure. On top of this, there are numerous government fees, such as stamp duties on insurance and the ever increasing revenue raising by the police.

Many are left wondering if they’re truly getting value for their money and whether there’s a more favorable environment to live in elsewhere.

Post-Pandemic Discontent

After the pandemic, many young people became frustrated with the government’s handling of the crisis. Prolonged lockdowns, loss of freedoms, and perceived coercion to accept treatments led to widespread mistrust. Some viewed the response as an overreach of power, more authoritarian than protective.

Even post-pandemic, the government continues to impose and ramp up policies limiting freedoms, such as the eSafety Commissioner try to censor online memes and new Misinformation laws, which many see as censorship and an effort to silence criticism. This erosion of civil liberties has distrust, is leaving young Australians feeling amazed at how badly and blatantly it wants to impose baseless draconian online restrictions.

Disagreement with Social and Political Agendas

There’s also a growing sense of frustration over the government’s undivided focus on playing identity politics on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and poor First Nations policies neglecting the pressing concerns of all Australians.

This attitude and even outright refusal to address important issues and flee the country at the first sign of critisism is leaving many Australian’s disconnected and unsure of the direction the country is heading in.

Seeking a Better Life Abroad

Ultimately, many young Australians are looking abroad for a better quality of life. Whether it’s the hope of starting their own business, taking advantage of online opportunities, or enjoying the benefits of remote working in an international world.