24 June 2013, 240613, age pension, Carbon Tax, dental health scheme, Labor decisions, Labor Government, NBN, Stimulus package, tax free threshold
Q. Thinking about the decisions the Labor Government has made over the last few years, do you think the following decisions were good or bad for Australia?
|
Total good |
Total bad |
Very good |
Good |
Neither good nor bad |
Bad |
Very bad |
Don’t know |
Sep 12 good |
Sep 12 bad |
|
| Expanding dental health services for people on low incomes |
73% |
8% |
28% |
45% |
15% |
4% |
4% |
5% |
77% |
5% |
| Increasing the tax free threshold from $6,000 to $18,200 |
72% |
8% |
34% |
38% |
15% |
5% |
3% |
5% |
75% |
4% |
| Increasing the age pension |
67% |
14% |
27% |
40% |
16% |
10% |
4% |
4% |
70% |
11% |
| Protecting large areas of Australia’s marine environment in a network of marine reserves |
66% |
10% |
27% |
39% |
19% |
6% |
4% |
5% |
67% |
8% |
| Introducing the National Disability Insurance Scheme |
63% |
9% |
26% |
37% |
20% |
5% |
4% |
8% |
58% |
5% |
| Increasing superannuation from 9% to 12% |
62% |
14% |
24% |
38% |
19% |
10% |
4% |
5% |
68% |
9% |
| Stimulus spending to tackle the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) |
50% |
26% |
21% |
29% |
19% |
17% |
9% |
5% |
54% |
22% |
| Introducing a tax on large profits of mining companies |
49% |
27% |
21% |
28% |
20% |
15% |
12% |
5% |
49% |
25% |
| Building the NBN (National Broadband Network) |
48% |
28% |
22% |
26% |
18% |
15% |
13% |
6% |
43% |
28% |
| Paid parental leave |
48% |
22% |
14% |
34% |
24% |
13% |
9% |
5% |
52% |
20% |
| Spending on new school buildings during the GFC |
47% |
26% |
12% |
35% |
20% |
15% |
11% |
6% |
53% |
22% |
| Implementing the recommendations of the Gonski report to increase education funding |
46% |
22% |
17% |
29% |
23% |
12% |
10% |
9% |
54% |
8% |
| Abolished WorkChoices |
42% |
27% |
23% |
19% |
22% |
17% |
10% |
10% |
42% |
27% |
| Introducing a carbon tax to tackle climate change |
32% |
48% |
14% |
18% |
16% |
18% |
30% |
4% |
28% |
51% |
The two most popular decisions of the Labor Government are ‘expanding dental health services for people on low incomes’ (73% total good) and ‘increasing the tax free threshold from $6,000 to $18,000 (72% total good). The least popular decisions were ‘Implementing the recommendations of the Gonski report (46% total good), ‘Abolished WorkChoices’ (42% total good) and ‘introducing a carbon tax to tackle climate change’ (32% total good).
The only issue which received a net negative response was ‘introducing a carbon tax to tackle climate change’, where 48% of respondents believed it to be bad for Australia.
Since this question was previously asked last September, perceptions of most decisions have become a little more negative – with the exceptions of the “carbon tax” which shifted from 28% to 32% ‘good’, the ‘NDIS’ which shifted from 58% to 63% ‘good’ and building the NBN which shifted from 43% to 48% ‘good’.
The largest negative shifts were for the ‘Gonski recommendations’ (down 8% to 46%), increasing super (down 6% to 62%) and spending on schools during the GFC (down 6% to 47%).
24 June 2013, 240613, Gonski reforms, tony abbott school funding
Q. The NSW and South Australian Governments have reached agreement with the Federal Government to implement the Gonski education reforms which provide more funds for schools. Tony Abbott says if he is elected he will reverse these agreements and return to the previous system for funding schools. Would you approve or disapprove of Tony Abbott reversing the Gonski reforms?
|
Total |
|
Vote Labor |
Vote Lib/Nat |
Vote Greens |
|
| Total approve |
32% |
17% |
51% |
12% |
|
| Total disapprove |
44% |
71% |
21% |
66% |
|
| Strongly approve |
12% |
5% |
21% |
6% |
|
| Approve |
20% |
12% |
30% |
6% |
|
| Disapprove |
20% |
24% |
14% |
26% |
|
| Strongly disapprove |
24% |
47% |
7% |
40% |
|
| Don’t know |
24% |
12% |
27% |
22% |
32% approved of Tony Abbott reversing the Gonski reforms if elected and 44% disapproved.
37% of men approved compared to 27% of women. 50% of respondents aged 55+ disapproved.
24 June 2013, 240613, sexism against women, sexism in politics, sexism in the media, sexism in workplaces
Q. How much sexism and discrimination against women do you think currently occurs in the following?
|
A lot |
Some |
A little |
None at all |
Don’t know |
|
A lot/ some TOTAL |
A lot/ some MEN |
A lot/ some WOMEN |
|
A lot/ some Oct 12 |
|
| In workplaces |
21% |
39% |
28% |
7% |
5% |
60% |
47% |
72% |
55% |
||
| In the media |
23% |
36% |
25% |
10% |
5% |
59% |
48% |
71% |
56% |
||
| In politics |
28% |
33% |
23% |
11% |
5% |
61% |
49% |
73% |
61% |
||
| In advertising |
29% |
31% |
24% |
10% |
6% |
60% |
51% |
69% |
59% |
||
| In sport |
23% |
34% |
25% |
12% |
6% |
57% |
46% |
69% |
58% |
||
| In schools |
11% |
29% |
32% |
18% |
10% |
40% |
34% |
46% |
43% |
A majority of respondents think there is a lot or some sexism in politics (61%), advertising (60%), workplaces (60%), the media (59%) and sport (57%).
Women were more likely than men to think there is a lot or some sexism in all areas – but especially in politics (women 73%, men 49%), workplaces (72%/47%) and the media (71%/48%).
Since this question was previously asked last October, those thinking there is a lot/some sexism in workplaces has increased 5 points to 60%.
17 June 2013, 170613, 2PP, two party preferred, Voting intention
Q. If a Federal Election was held today to which party will you probably give your first preference vote? If not sure, which party are you currently leaning toward?
Q. If don’t know -Well which party are you currently leaning to?
Sample size = 1,913 respondents
| First preference/leaning to |
Election 21 Aug 10 |
|
4 weeks ago 20/5/13 |
2 weeks ago 3/6/13 |
Last week 11/6/13 |
This week 17/6/13 |
| Liberal |
|
45% |
45% |
44% |
44% |
|
| National |
3% |
3% |
3% |
3% |
||
| Total Lib/Nat |
43.6% |
48% |
48% |
47% |
47% |
|
| Labor |
38.0% |
35% |
35% |
36% |
35% |
|
| Greens |
11.8% |
8% |
8% |
8% |
8% |
|
| Other/Independent |
6.6% |
9% |
9% |
9% |
9% |
| 2 Party Preferred |
Election 21 Aug 10 |
|
4 weeks ago 20/5/13 |
2 weeks ago 3/6/13 |
Last week 11/6/13 |
This week 17/6/13 |
| Liberal National |
49.9% |
55% |
55% |
54% |
54% |
|
| Labor |
50.1% |
45% |
45% |
46% |
46% |
NB. The data in the above tables comprise 2-week averages derived from the first preference/leaning to voting questions. Respondents who select ‘don’t know’ are not included in the results. The two-party preferred estimate is calculated by distributing the votes of the other parties according to their preferences at the 2010 election.
17 June 2013, 170613, 2010 vote
Q. Which party did you vote for in the last Federal election in 2010?
|
Total |
|
Vote Labor |
Vote Lib/Nat |
Vote Greens |
|
| Labor |
39% |
85% |
12% |
22% |
|
| Liberal |
34% |
3% |
74% |
1% |
|
| National |
3% |
* |
6% |
3% |
|
| Greens |
7% |
4% |
1% |
67% |
|
| Democrats |
1% |
1% |
– |
– |
|
| Family First |
1% |
* |
1% |
– |
|
| Independent or other party |
3% |
1% |
1% |
– |
|
| Didn’t vote |
7% |
5% |
3% |
7% |
|
| Don’t know |
4% |
1% |
1% |
– |
85% of intending Labor voters said they voted Labor in the last election and 9% voted for other parties.
80% of intending Liberal/National voters said they voted Liberal/National in the last election, 12% said they voted Labor and 3% other parties.
67% of intending Greens voters said they voted Greens in the last election, 22% said they voted Labor and 4% other parties.
17 June 2013, 170613, better leader, better policy, reason for changing vote
Q. You say you currently intend to vote for a different party to the one you voted for in the last election. What is the main reason you have changed your vote to that party? (table based on those who have changed their vote)
|
Total |
Vote Labor |
Vote Lib/Nat |
Vote Greens |
|
| They have better policies |
11% |
21% |
15% |
12% |
| They have a better leader |
11% |
27% |
7% |
– |
| They are more trustworthy |
15% |
7% |
19% |
44% |
| They are more competent |
12% |
– |
20% |
7% |
| They will be better for Australia’s future |
23% |
35% |
22% |
19% |
| They will be better for me personally |
3% |
– |
– |
13% |
| Other reason |
18% |
10% |
15% |
4% |
| Don’t know |
8% |
2% |
2% |
– |
Note: Samples for voting intention columns are small – 8% of respondents have changed to Liberal/National, 3% to Labor and 2% to the Greens.
22% of those who have changed their vote to Liberal/National say the main reason is they will be better for Australia’s future, 20% say they are more competent and 19% more trustworthy.
Although sample sizes are very small, those changing their vote to Labor say they will be better for Australia’s future (35%) and they have a better leader (27%). Those switching their vote to the Greens tend to say they are more trustworthy (44%).
17 June 2013, 170613, Important election issues
Q. Which are the three most important issues in deciding how you would vote at a Federal election?
|
Total 17 Jun 13 |
11 Feb 13 |
19 Nov 12 |
30 Jul 12 |
5 Dec 11 |
6 June 11 |
25 Jan 10 |
|
| Management of the economy |
47% |
62% |
66% |
64% |
62% |
61% |
63% |
| Ensuring a quality education for all children |
25% |
29% |
35% |
26% |
22% |
26% |
23% |
| Ensuring the quality of Australia’s health system |
45% |
52% |
57% |
47% |
47% |
49% |
48% |
| Protecting the environment |
13% |
14% |
14% |
11% |
13% |
15% |
16% |
| A fair industrial relations system |
10% |
12% |
8% |
12% |
11% |
8% |
na |
| Political leadership |
22% |
14% |
15% |
25% |
18% |
17% |
23% |
| Addressing climate change |
11% |
9% |
9% |
9% |
10% |
15% |
16% |
| Controlling interest rates |
11% |
9% |
11% |
9% |
11% |
13% |
15% |
| Australian jobs and protection of local industries |
34% |
40% |
32% |
41% |
36% |
32% |
33% |
| Ensuring a quality water supply |
5% |
4% |
5% |
3% |
4% |
5% |
12% |
| Housing affordability |
14% |
11% |
14% |
13% |
13% |
16% |
14% |
| Ensuring a fair taxation system |
19% |
21% |
17% |
18% |
16% |
17% |
14% |
| Security and the war on terrorism |
8% |
6% |
5% |
5% |
4% |
8% |
9% |
| Treatment of asylum seekers |
11% |
6% |
6% |
10% |
8% |
5% |
na |
| Managing population growth |
11% |
9% |
7% |
8% |
8% |
12% |
na |
47% of people surveyed rated management of the economy as one of their three most important issues, followed by 45% ensuring the quality of Australia’s health system, 34% Australian jobs and protection of local industries and 25% ensuring a quality education for all children.
Since February, there has been a decline in the importance of managing the economy (-15%), ensuring the quality of Australia’s health system (-7%) and Australian jobs and protection of local industries (-6%) and an increase in political leadership (+8%).
17 June 2013, 170613, economic management, Education, environment, health system, party trust
Q. Which party would you trust most to handle the following issues?
|
Labor |
Liberal |
Greens |
Don’t know |
Difference 17 Jun 13 |
Difference 11 Feb 13 |
Difference 19 Nov 12 |
Difference 18 Jun 12 |
|
| Management of the economy |
28% |
46% |
2% |
24% |
-18 |
-15 |
-14 |
-18 |
| Ensuring a quality education for all children |
37% |
36% |
4% |
23% |
+1 |
+2 |
+5 |
-2 |
| Ensuring the quality of Australia’s health system |
32% |
37% |
6% |
26% |
-5 |
-3 |
-3 |
-6 |
| Protecting the environment |
19% |
24% |
34% |
22% |
+10 |
+18 |
+16 |
+17 |
| A fair industrial relations system |
37% |
34% |
5% |
24% |
+3 |
+6 |
+9 |
+6 |
| Political leadership |
23% |
42% |
5% |
30% |
-19 |
-8 |
-12 |
-16 |
| Addressing climate change |
19% |
26% |
26% |
28% |
– |
+5 |
+9 |
+7 |
| Controlling interest rates |
25% |
42% |
2% |
31% |
-17 |
-14 |
-11 |
-18 |
| Australian jobs and protection of local industries |
30% |
37% |
4% |
29% |
-7 |
-3 |
-2 |
-6 |
| Ensuring a quality water supply |
19% |
33% |
18% |
31% |
-14 |
-6 |
-7 |
-12 |
| Housing affordability |
24% |
36% |
5% |
35% |
-12 |
-6 |
-5 |
-11 |
| Ensuring a fair taxation system |
28% |
39% |
4% |
29% |
-11 |
-6 |
-9 |
-10 |
| Security and the war on terrorism |
23% |
41% |
3% |
34% |
-18 |
-13 |
-15 |
-22 |
| Treatment of asylum seekers |
17% |
39% |
12% |
32% |
-22 |
-17 |
-18 |
-20 |
| Managing population growth |
18% |
37% |
8% |
38% |
-19 |
-12 |
-15 |
-19 |
Note – Differences are calculated by subtracting Liberal % from Labor % – except for the two issues on which the Greens lead in which case it is Greens minus Liberal.
The Liberal Party has maintained strong leads on management of the economy, controlling interest rates, political leadership, security and the war on terrorism, treatment of asylum seekers and managing population growth.
There is little difference between Labor and the Liberals on ensuring a quality education for all children and a fair industrial relations system. Since February, there have been significant shifts to the Liberals on protecting the environment, political leadership, ensuring a quality water supply and managing population growth.