Northern Territory residents are the happiest in the nation, according to a study from Flinders University.
The study is a product of a nation-wide survey, originally started by Flinders to understand Australians’ biggest concerns, that received responses from more than 15,000 people across the country.
This year, the university expanded the survey to collect data about happiness and optimism.
The latest survey included questions on happiness levels for the first time, with NT respondents reporting the highest levels. (Source: Alex Guillaume/Unsplash)
The report found 75.3 per cent of Northern Territory respondents were fairly, very or completely happy.
Nationally, 69 per cent of people reported being happy. Victoria was the last-placed jurisdiction at 65.9 per cent.
The survey did not ask respondents the reasons for their happiness, but Flinders University Research Training and Capabilities Pro Vice-Chancellor Tim Cavagnaro said time in nature and cultural diversity could play a role in the NT’s result.
Tim Cavagnaro says the NT stands out for its access to nature and richness of different cultures. (ABC News: Daniel Taylor)
“Certainly spending time in the natural environment is a really good way to set yourself up for a really happy day, so I think that’s part of that,” he said.
“I was recently in Darwin and that’s something that struck me was certainly the diversity and the cultural richness in Darwin, and also the natural environment.”
Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory chief executive David Ciaravolo said he believed Territorians’ links to nature were a factor.
David Ciaravolo says getting out in nature is a huge part of life in the Northern Territory. (ABC News: Pete Garnish)
“I know it sounds a little funny, but it’s been proven people who fish more often are more resilient and I reckon that connects pretty strongly to happiness,” he said.
“I think it’s pretty simple — the more you get out there the better adjusted you are.
“Connection with nature is one of the things that’s really a part of life for all Territorians. It’s easy, it’s accessible, but it’s also that shared experience with everybody else.”
Young Territorian and fishing enthusiast Riley Chappel said he thought the study’s results rang true.
“[It’s] because we’ve got the best fishing,” he said.
Riley Chappel enjoys the fishing the NT has to offer. (ABC News: Pete Garnish)
Shaz Fielder, who has lived in the Territory for 33 years, said the results felt “pretty close to true”.
“I am happy, my friends are happy, life is happy,” she said.
“The warm weather always makes me happy, the people are casual and easy to talk to, and people are non-exclusive. I feel anyone can belong.
“People are generally relaxed and friendly; there’s not the hustle and bustle, so that’s I think that’s what makes it the happiest.”
Optimism for NT’s future runs low
People who responded to the survey were also asked about their level of optimism about the future direction of their state or territory, and their main concerns.
Only 23.3 per cent of NT respondents reported being fairly, very or completely optimistic about the territory’s direction — the lowest in the country, and just slightly behind Tasmania’s 23.7 per cent.
That was well behind the most optimistic location, Western Australia, where 47 per cent reported feeling optimistic.
The three main concerns identified by Territorians were crime and safety, the cost of living and access to quality healthcare, all of which were similar to the main concerns across the country.
