We asked what you wanted to talk about most. Here's what you told us

Posted Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 4:41amSun 26 Jul 2026 at 4:41amThe ABC's Your Say gives people from across the country the chance to name the issues, stories and heroes that matter most to them. (ABC News)Thousands of people from all corners of the country have shared their stories so far for ABC's Your Say project.ABC Your Say is about listening to communities across Australia for the next eight weeks. Some have shared stories of frustration, anxiety and uncertainty. Others have spoken of hope, resilience, and pride in their community.Many told us they just wanted to be heard, driven by a frustration that those with the power to make change simply aren't listening.This is what you've told us so far.What matters to you?HousingConcerns extended beyond auction-day headlines to questions of homelessness, rental stress and social housing shortages.Read more Cost of livingAustralians have shared stories about earning more but affording less, cutting back on essentials and difficult household trade-offs.Read more TrustThere was a feeling of betrayal, impatience and a desire for accountability when it came to those in power.Read more CommunitySome of the most powerful, impassioned and polarising views were about social cohesion, migration, racism and multiculturalism.Read more HealthReaders described a health system struggling to meet demand, with some feeling they've "fallen through the cracks".Read more ClimateEnvironmental decline, climate change and energy security were raised as major concerns.Read more TransportThe way Australians move around, and the cost of doing so, was a concern for contributors across the country, particularly in regional areas.Read more Artificial intelligenceReaders approached the emergence of AI with a mixture of curiosity and concern.Read more Regional livingMany regional Australians described feeling ignored or like "second class Australians", pointing to gaps in healthcare, transport, and essential infrastructure.Read more Our best stories start with listening to yours. Tell us what Australia should know about your community, your life, and the people.We want to better understand:What people are talking about in your communityWhat feels misunderstood or ignoredWhat issues are affecting families, workers, businesses, young people and older AustraliansWhat you think needs to change to make your community betterWhat stories are not being toldThe people in your community doing extraordinary or important workYour response could help us identify emerging issues, understand what Australians want explained, investigated or brought to national attention, and find people with lived experience to share their perspectives.