Climate change, refugee rights, disability funding, Indigenous reconciliation, the Murray-Darling – we asked Guardian Australia readers what the issues were that would determine their vote and where we should focus our reporting.

More than 800 responded, some in great detail, and overwhelmingly climate change was the top issue. Some 480 included climate change in their top three issues of concern and 150 mentioned the environment.

David, who lives in the seat of Fairfax in south-east Queensland, said climate change “dwarfed” all other issues in this election and would determine his vote.

“I am strongly committed to the development and use of sustainable energy solutions. Also, as a recent relocator from Sydney to a semi-rural area (a very safe Coalition seat) I am also keenly aware of un- and under-employment outside the big cities. I will be interested to learn what, if anything, the parties will offer to support ‘older’ job hunters.”

In the Melbourne seat of Goldstein, Rebecca said she was also casting a ballot on climate change.

“My first federal election I can vote in! Not so jaded yet. My main interests are in three issues: urgent action to mitigate and adapt to climate change, fair and decent treatment of people seeking asylum and refuge, and dedication to listening to and empowering Indigenous Australians.”

Politics has become a reality show and reality has become a horror show as a result Darren Ledwich, Jagajaga

Gary in Warringah said he had a 30-year-history of supporting the Liberal party in the Sydney electorate, but could no longer do so.

“Tony Abbott’s self-interest and sense of entitlement while disregarding the evolving values of his constituents has me supporting the first viable alternative in many years.”

Pru, a reader from Bennelong in Sydney, said she wanted to see a better-run and more professional parliament and, in common with many others, stronger action on climate change.

“I am tired of the partisan infighting and constant blaming of the opposition for everything. I want to see real-time disclosure of donations, the parliamentarian/ lobbyist roundabout banned. I also want to see disclosure of all lobbyists’ visits to all politicians – I think there is too much influencing political outcomes by invested interested parties and individuals.”

Many readers believed this election would be crucial in determining the direction of the country.

Al, from the north Queensland seat of Leichhardt, said it was the most important election since Whitlam’s victory in 1972 or Howard’s in 1996 – both of which heralded substantial changes.

“This election will be transforming and see Australia either maintain its narrow focus on ‘the economy’ or ‘keeping us safe’ for the next three years, or enter a new period of social democracy.

“I’ve watched every federal election since 1972 and this is the one I feel most engaged with, given the enormity of what I believe is at stake.”

James, in the seat of Melbourne, said the election was a “turning point”.

“My generation is on the cusp of being alienated by the Liberal party due to their persistent inaction on climate change and environmental issues. This is a generation in which many people will be voting for the first time, having only enrolled to cast a vote in the marriage equality postal survey. Will the Liberal party be able to connect with these up-and-coming voters? For that matter, will Labor be able to?

“No one likes Bill Shorten, but perhaps we need a boring custodian of good policy to take us out of the era of egotistical personalities in Australian politics.”

Richard, from the seat of Ryan in Brisbane, said the election was a chance for Australia to be back “at the forefront of innovation politically and economically”.

“This election will prove to be pivotal for the way that Australia is perceived by its immediate neighbours and by the global community. Hopefully that perception will be one of an enlightened forward-looking country rather than one firmly stuck in the mid-20th century,” Richard said.

Margaret Blair, in the Victorian seat of McEwen, summed up the thoughts of many in saying “anyone would be better than what we have now”.

“I have been angry, frustrated and horrified by the current government’s denial of climate change and their championing of coal. I was heartbroken at the cruel rejection of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. I am so ashamed of my country for incarcerating asylum seekers indefinitely for seeking safety.”

Darren, in the seat of Jagajaga in Melbourne, was similarly jaded but hopeful that the election could bring change and renewal.

“I’m really tired of our political discourse, but am a believer in our democracy,” he said.

“There is too much given to the news cycle and not enough longterm planning, bipartisanship and a willingness to admit mistakes. We are not changing fast enough and the public are made more fearful of change at the same time. Politics has become a reality show and reality has become a horror show as a result.”