A new Newspoll reveals Australians broadly expect the Labor government's budget will leave them worse off, with just 11% anticipating personal improvement. This marks the weakest post-budget sentiment since 2014, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers' fiscal plan to tackle inflation and boost fairness fails to resonate. The survey of 1,252 voters highlights a significant disconnect between government messaging and public perception.

Despite the government's focus on housing affordability—clamping down on investor tax breaks to address intergenerational inequality—only a quarter of respondents believe the changes will help. Almost half fear the measures will deepen divisions between younger and older Australians. Soaring property and rental prices have already locked many out of the market, fueling skepticism about policy effectiveness.

Nearly 40% expect to pay more tax overall, undermining the government's new tax cut announcements. While Labor's overall vote remains steady at just over 30%, support for the far-right One Nation party is rising. The budget's rollout suggests the government's sales pitch has so far fallen short with an electorate grappling with cost-of-living pressures.