As Australians prepare to vote in the 2025 federal election on 3 May, many are experiencing what experts now describe as election fatigue—a persistent sense of mental and emotional burnout linked to the unrelenting political cycle. For Victorians, the pressure won’t let up any time soon. With a state election scheduled for 2026, the next year without a major campaign won’t come until 2027.
A Relentless Political Calendar
Australia’s model of compulsory voting and frequent elections has resulted in a near-continuous stream of campaign messaging, political advertising, and media coverage. While engagement in democracy is essential, many citizens now report feeling overwhelmed, disillusioned or emotionally exhausted. This has fuelled growing calls for governments and media to acknowledge the public health dimension of political burnout.
Mental Health Impacts
According to the Australian National University’s 2025 Election Monitoring Survey, life satisfaction among Australians is at its lowest point since the pandemic lockdowns. The report also found that over one-third of Australians are experiencing financial stress, with many expressing diminished faith in democratic institutions—especially younger voters.
In Victoria, the Department of Health reports that 14.8% of adults suffer high to very high psychological distress, with women more likely to be affected. Social isolation, loneliness, and economic instability are all compounding stress levels across the state.
Burnout in the Health Sector
This trend isn’t confined to the electorate. A national survey of healthcare workers found that 52% of doctors and 65% of nurses report being burnt out, posing a serious threat to both staff wellbeing and patient care. In response, the federal government has announced new funding, including a dedicated $25.2 million program aimed at supporting nurses and midwives experiencing work-related stress.
Mental Health on the Campaign Trail
Mental health has emerged as a key issue in the 2025 federal election. The Labor Party has promised $1 billion over four years to boost community-based mental health services. The Coalition, meanwhile, has pledged more Medicare-funded therapy sessions and expanded bulk billing.
But experts remain sceptical. According to the WA Association for Mental Health, these commitments fall short of addressing the systemic issues underpinning Australia’s long-underfunded mental health system.
Local Services: Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula
Across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, a range of services are working to fill the gaps left by strained national systems.
- The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Frankston provides free, walk-in mental health support for adults aged 26 and over—no referral or Medicare card required.
- The Avive Clinic in Mount Eliza offers in-patient care for mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and substance use in a modern 60-bed private facility.
- Peninsula Health delivers free, short-term counselling across Frankston, Hastings, Mornington and Rosebud—no mental health plan needed.
- The Frankston PARC facility (Prevention and Recovery Care) supports residents transitioning out of acute care or avoiding hospitalisation altogether, with access to 24/7 clinical support in a home-like setting.
Looking Ahead
With major elections in 2025 and 2026, and no reprieve until 2027, voters and health professionals alike are urging for more than just campaign promises. The current climate demands genuine investment in community resilience, healthcare capacity, and public trust.
Need support?
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Headspace Frankston – for youth aged 12–25
