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Balance of power in the Senate

2 Dec 2014

Q. The balance of power in the Senate is now held by micro parties such as Palmer United Party, Family First, Liberal Democrats, Motor Enthusiasts Party and independents. Is this good or bad for democracy?

 

Total

 

Vote Labor

Vote Lib/Nat

Vote Greens

Vote Other

Good for democracy

37%

49%

23%

54%

58%

Bad for democracy

29%

19%

50%

20%

15%

Makes no difference

18%

18%

16%

10%

22%

Don’t know

17%

13%

12%

16%

5%

37% said that having the balance of power in the Senate held by micro parties is good for democracy and 29% think it is bad.

A majority of Greens and other voters think it is good while 50% of Liberal/National voters think it is bad.

When a similar question about PUP holding the balance of power was asked in July, results were similar – 36% thought it was good and 28% bad.

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