Disillusioned voters challenge major parties ahead of federal election
Adam Jacobson, who resides in the marginal seat of Leichhardt in Far North Queensland, represents a growing number of voters across Australia who are disengaged from both major political parties. With the seat being fiercely contested by Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton, Jacobson’s vote would be crucial—if he intended to cast one.
The 46-year-old health technology worker says he cannot in good conscience support any candidate.
“I feel like casting my vote would somehow harm Australia,” he said, admitting he may submit a deliberately informal ballot.
Jacobson is among many Australians who, in the days leading up to the federal election, have shared their voting intentions with the ABC’s Your Say.
From cities to regional areas across the country, voters have voiced frustration over the issues shaping their choices this election.
‘Disillusioned’ by career politicians
Leichhardt is currently held by the Liberal Party with a narrow 3.4 per cent margin. With the retirement of long-serving MP Warren Entsch, the seat is up for grabs.
Jacobson expressed deep disappointment in modern politicians, citing their lack of real-world experience. His personal connection to the healthcare system—his wife is a GP and his late brother struggled with mental health—shapes his critical view of both major parties’ health policies.
He believes current Medicare reforms fall short of expectations, describing them as superficial attempts to appease interest groups rather than deliver meaningful change. Despite both parties pledging $8.5 billion over four years to improve GP access, Jacobson remains unconvinced.
Values shift drives change in WA voter
Norriel Stotter, a 74-year-old retired teacher and lifelong Liberal supporter, will vote Labor for the first time in the newly created marginal seat of Bullwinkel in Western Australia.
While she admires the Nationals candidate personally, Stotter cannot support a party aligned with Peter Dutton, whose nuclear energy proposals and political style she finds contrary to her values.
“I can’t vote for her because that’s a vote for Peter Dutton,” she said.
Queensland voter disillusioned by lack of vision
Chris Caldwell from Pimpama, Queensland, is another voter undecided for the first time in her life. Formerly a loyal Liberal voter, she now finds neither party offers a credible long-term vision.
“I’m really disillusioned,” said Caldwell, a PhD student in retail AI and former executive.
She’s particularly concerned about housing, with her adult son unable to find an affordable rental despite constant effort.
“Housing needs collaborative solutions across all levels of government. Stop the mudslinging and work together,” she said.
From policymaker to caravan living
Cheryle Hislop, a 67-year-old former policy advisor, now lives in a caravan after skyrocketing rent forced her out of her home. With a PhD in marine environmental law, Hislop feels betrayed by both Labor and the Coalition.
Neither party will earn her vote again, she said, criticizing their housing proposals as ineffective and inflationary. She plans to support an independent candidate.
HECS debt and childcare fees block homeownership
In Melbourne’s electorate of Wills, 31-year-old Olivia Grabau feels failed by multiple governments. Despite her degrees, she now works in university administration and is burdened with a $150,000 HECS debt while raising young children.
The combination of childcare costs and education debt has left her and her partner unable to save for a home. A long-time progressive voter, she’s backing the Greens this time, saying they’re the only party addressing her family’s financial challenges.
Long-time Labor voters turn away
Trish Aukett, in Adelaide, has voted Labor all her life but will now choose the Greens. She’s disenchanted with party leaders’ equivocation, particularly in relation to former US president Donald Trump.
In Sydney’s Kingsford Smith, Steven Tulenheimo, a 59-year-old bus worker, also plans to abandon Labor. He believes the party has strayed from its working-class roots and failed to address cost-of-living pressures.
“The Liberals are completely out of touch, and there are no teal candidates in my area,” he said, noting he would likely support an independent instead.
