Artificial intelligence (AI) and housing affordability have emerged as significant ethical concerns for Australians, according to the Governance Institute of Australia. The findings, part of the 2025 Ethics Index, indicate that the ethical implications of AI are becoming increasingly pressing, particularly in relation to its potential for generating misleading content.
Public Concerns Over AI and Employment
The institute’s policy and advocacy senior advisor, Daniel Popovski, highlighted the growing unease surrounding AI, particularly its impact on employment, decision-making, and creative rights. “Artificial intelligence is no longer viewed as a niche or emerging issue. It is now one of the most ethically complex challenges facing Australian society,” Popovski stated. He emphasized the urgent need for ethical governance frameworks to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
Young Australians are at the forefront of this concern. The research indicated that members of Generation Z expressed the strongest negative sentiments regarding corporate use of AI. In contrast, Millennials demonstrated a more positive outlook on its applications in the workplace. The study revealed that Australians are particularly wary of AI technologies that involve deception, such as AI-generated content, while there is greater acceptance of its use in assisting medical diagnoses.
Housing Affordability and Cost of Living
In addition to AI, housing affordability and the cost of living ranked among the top five ethical concerns for citizens. Pauline Vamos, chair of the Governance Institute, commented, “Housing affordability isn’t just an economic challenge – it’s a question of fairness, dignity, and opportunity.” She pointed out that when individuals lack access to safe and secure housing, it undermines community wellbeing and social trust.
Public sentiment indicates that cost-of-living pressures, particularly rising grocery prices, have become the leading drivers of ethical perceptions. Younger Australians are feeling the weight of these affordability challenges, facing barriers to entering the housing market. Vamos concluded, “When access to shelter becomes a privilege rather than a right, it’s a failure of ethical leadership. Australians are asking who is accountable, and what kind of society are we building?”
The findings underscore a significant shift in public discourse, illustrating how Australians are increasingly aware of the ethical implications of emerging technologies and socioeconomic issues. The call for accountability and ethical governance in both AI and housing matters indicates a critical moment for policy-makers and corporate leaders alike.
