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.