'Enraged and engaged’ older Victorians revealed in first Community Pulse — but will it swing the election?

Older Victorians are the least proud of their state, with 38% having "little" or “no pride” in Victoria.

Overall, a third of Victorians had minimal pride in Victoria, with just 17% of Victorian voters saying they were "extremely proud" of the state.

The findings are contained in the first Agenda Group Community Pulse, conducted in partnership with the research and insights group Redge.

The Agenda Group is a leading Melbourne-based political engagement firm and will be conducting several community sentiment surveys in the leadup to the 2026 Victorian election.

The research shows older people are also more likely to declare themselves unsatisfied with how the state "is going overall", a subjective measure of contentment with where they live.

Concerningly for all politicians, a whopping 50% of Victorians say they feel "mostly" or "completely" unheard when they voice concerns about Victoria. Older Victorians again lead the pack on this measure, with 38% feeling "completely unheard".

In terms of geography, the further out a person is from central Melbourne the more likely they are to feel "completely unheard" by the political class.

Victorians feeling "completely unheard" by politicians

By location	By age
Inner Melbourne - 19% Outer Melbourne - 25% Regional Victoria - 29%	18–24 - 7% 25–34 - 6% 35–44 - 25% 45–54 - 27% 55–64 - 33% 65+ - 38%

"Older Victorian are enraged and engaged," The Agenda Group Partner James McGarvey said.

"This snapshot reinforces some of the discontentment we hear anecdotally from older people, particularly from older men, and people living in the bush."

“These voters are not disengaged. They feel ignored — and that’s more dangerous.” 

Mr McGarvey warned community anger combined with a belief political leaders aren't giving voters' concerns' due regard is a big red-flag.

"It should be of great concern to all political parties that a significant chunk of Victorian voters feel 'unheard'."

"Whether or not people agree with the decisions politicians make, it’s the job of governments to make people feel valued, consulted and heard."

"It should be of great concern to all political parties that a significant chunk of Victorian voters feel 'unheard'. Whether or not people agree with the decisions politicians make, it’s the job of governments to make people feel valued, consulted and heard."

"Whether or not people agree with the decisions politicians make, it’s the job of governments to make people feel valued, consulted and heard."

"When voters feel ignored, it makes for a volatile electorate."

Redge founder and Managing Director, Anne-Marie Moir, said the research presents “both a problem and an opportunity".

"The problem: nearly half of Victorians feel mostly or completely unheard, despite high levels of pride in the state and satisfaction with their local areas."

"The opportunity: when we asked people to imagine their ideal future for Victoria, the responses centred on affordability, safety, and community wellbeing. People across age groups and regions want the same things — communities where people look after each other, where they feel secure, and where the cost of living doesn't force impossible choices."

"These aren't abstract aspirations. They're practical priorities. Victorians are ready to engage if political leaders are ready to listen."

Methodology

The survey was conducted with 600 Victorian residents across metropolitan Melbourne (both inner and outer suburbs) and regional Victoria. The sample included respondents across all age groups from 18-24 to 65+, with gender representation of 50% male, 49% female, and 1% non-binary. Data was collected through both quantitative scales and open-ended qualitative responses, which were analysed for themes and sentiment.