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State government response to Covid-19
Q. How would you rate your state government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak?
| TOTAL: Good | 15/03 | 01/03 | 15/02 | 01/02 | 30/11 | 16/11 | 02/11 | 05/10 | 21/09 | 07/09 | 24/08 | 10/08 | 27/07 |
| NSW | 75% | 72% | 72% | 71% | 76% | 75% | 68% | 65% | 67% | 57% | 59% | 61% | 62% |
| VIC | 62% | 49% | 59% | 61% | 60% | 59% | 55% | 45% | 47% | 50% | 47% | 49% | 53% |
| QLD | 75% | 73% | 76% | 78% | 72% | 71% | 69% | 69% | 68% | 66% | 73% | 68% | 67% |
| SA | 85% | 78% | 79% | 80% | 70% | 76% | 77% | 81% | 81% | 74% | 65% | 72% | 76% |
| WA | 91% | 85% | 88% | 80% | 83% | 82% | 81% | 83% | 84% | 87% | 84% | 86% | 82% |
- Positive rating of state governments’ response to the Covid-19 outbreak has increased in all states since earlier this month.
- Notably, the rating of the VIC government has risen to 62% (from 49% earlier in March). This is the highest rating in the last six months.
- Positive rating of the WA and SA governments have also increased to 91% and 85% respectively (from 85% and 73% mid last month). This rating of the WA government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak is the highest seen for any state government to date.
- Rating of the NSW and QLD governments remain stable at 75% respectively.
Uptake of a Covid-19 vaccine
Q. The Covid-19 vaccine rollout has begun in Australia.
Once a vaccine becomes available to you, how long would you wait before taking it?
| 15/03 | 01/03 | 18/01 | 14/12 | 10/08 | |
| I’d get vaccinated as soon as possible / I’ve already been vaccinated | 47% | 50% | 42% | 43% | 56% |
| I’d get vaccinated, but wouldn’t do it straight away | 40% | 40% | 47% | 46% | 35% |
| I’d never get vaccinated | 12% | 10% | 11% | 10% | 8% |
| Base (n) | 1,124 | 1,074 | 1,084 | 1,071 | 1,010 |
- With the launch of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout underway nationwide, just under half (47%) now say they would get vaccinated as soon as possible – a slight dip from earlier in March but still noticeably higher than levels at the end of 2020 and at the start of this year.
- The same proportion of people as earlier in the month say that would get vaccinated but not straight away (40%).
- Just over 1 in 10 (12%) say that would never get vaccinated, consistent with levels seen in the last few months.
| Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||||
| Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
| I’d get vaccinated as soon as possible / I’ve already been vaccinated | 47% | 51% | 42% | 33% | 44% | 60% | 46% | 55% | 45% | 42% | ||
| I’d get vaccinated, but wouldn’t do it straight away | 40% | 36% | 43% | 50% | 38% | 32% | 42% | 35% | 42% | 33% | ||
| I’d never get vaccinated | 12% | 9% | 15% | 16% | 13% | 7% | 11% | 8% | 12% | 20% | ||
| Base (n) | 1,124 | 553 | 571 | 337 | 383 | 404 | 375 | 410 | 98 | 142 | ||
- Those most likely to get the vaccine immediately include men (51%) and those aged over 55 (60%).
- Those voting for independent or minor parties are the most likely to say they would never get vaccinated (20%).
Trust in institutions
Q. How much trust do you have in the following institutions and organisations?
| TOTAL: Trust | Mar’21 | Change since Aug’20 | Aug’20 |
| Australia’s border security agencies | 72% | 5% | 67% |
| State & federal health authorities | 70% | 1% | 69% |
| State or territory government | 66% | 6% | 60% |
| Police, courts and the justice system | 64% | No change | 64% |
| The ABC | 59% | 1% | 58% |
| The Commonwealth public service | 57% | 1% | 56% |
| Federal parliament | 54% | -1% | 55% |
| News on commercial TV & radio | 45% | No change | 45% |
| Print media | 35% | -4% | 39% |
| TOTAL:
Trust |
TOTAL:
Don’t trust |
Have a lot of trust | Have some trust | Have little trust | Have no trust at all | Unsure | |
| Australia’s border security agencies | 72% | 24% | 28% | 44% | 18% | 6% | 3% |
| State & federal health authorities | 70% | 27% | 25% | 45% | 20% | 7% | 3% |
| State or territory government | 66% | 31% | 22% | 45% | 21% | 10% | 2% |
| Police, courts and the justice system | 64% | 34% | 21% | 43% | 24% | 10% | 2% |
| The ABC | 59% | 36% | 21% | 38% | 24% | 13% | 5% |
| The Commonwealth public service | 57% | 38% | 12% | 45% | 29% | 8% | 5% |
| Federal parliament | 54% | 43% | 15% | 39% | 28% | 15% | 3% |
| News on commercial TV & radio | 45% | 52% | 8% | 36% | 36% | 16% | 3% |
| Print media | 35% | 60% | 6% | 30% | 40% | 19% | 5% |
- People currently have the most trust in Australia’s border security agencies (72%) and state and federal health authorities (70%). Trust in border security agencies has seen a 5% point increase since August last year and trust in health authorities is unchanged.
- Trust in state or territory governments comes in as the third most trusted institution (66%), having increased by 6% points since last August. Trust in police, courts and the justice system follows closely behind (64%).
- 57% of people trust the Commonwealth public service, and just over half (54%) trust the federal parliament, both are consistent with levels seen last August.
- 59% trust the ABC, more than the proportion who trust commercial TV and radio news (54%). Print media is the least trusted institution with only just over a third (35%) of people trusting it.
Views towards sexual assault allegations against federal politicians and staffers
Q. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding sexual assault allegations against federal politicians and staffers?
| TOTAL: Agree | Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | ||||||||
| Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
| This is just a Canberra insider story | 16% | 23% | 9% | 13% | 23% | 12% | 11% | 21% | 12% | 24% | ||
| What is happening in Canberra is relevant to all women | 68% | 62% | 75% | 56% | 72% | 75% | 77% | 66% | 71% | 63% | ||
| It’s time women were believed when they say they have been assaulted | 67% | 58% | 76% | 59% | 69% | 71% | 76% | 64% | 69% | 55% | ||
| Because the charge of rape is so serious, the burden of proof needs to be high | 62% | 66% | 59% | 51% | 64% | 71% | 59% | 74% | 43% | 61% | ||
| Base (n) | 997 | 505 | 492 | 294 | 346 | 357 | 321 | 367 | 89 | 132 | ||
- There is widespread agreement that what is happening in Canberra is relevant to all women (68%) and it’s time women were believed when they say they have been assaulted (67%). Over a third of people strongly agree with each statement (38% and 36% respectively).
- Agreement with these two statements is high overall, but highest among women (75% and 76% respectively), those over 55 (75% and 71% respectively) and Labor voters (77% and 76% respectively).
- 62% agree that because the charge of rape is so serious, the burden of proof needs to be high. While 59% of women agree with this statement, agreement is higher among men (66%). Agreement with this statement is also high among those over 55 (71%) and Coalition voters (74%).
- Just 16% of people agree the recent sexual assault allegations against federal politicians and staffers is just a Canberra insider story.
Agreement towards independent inquiry undermining the rule of law
Q. Following the allegations of rape and sexual assault against Attorney General Christian Porter last week, Scott Morrison has rejected calls for an independent inquiry, saying that “I don’t agree with that because I don’t agree with the precedent or the prima facie case for there being such a process… because that would say the rule of law and our police are not competent to deal with these issues.”.
To what extent do you agree with his suggestion that holding an independent inquiry would undermine the rule of law?
| Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||||
| Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
| Strongly agree | 15% | 20% | 10% | 4% | 18% | 21% | 7% | 25% | 5% | 18% | ||
| Somewhat agree | 22% | 24% | 20% | 20% | 23% | 23% | 16% | 31% | 12% | 23% | ||
| Neither agree nor disagree | 31% | 27% | 34% | 45% | 29% | 21% | 31% | 24% | 36% | 31% | ||
| Somewhat disagree | 15% | 13% | 17% | 19% | 13% | 13% | 21% | 11% | 22% | 7% | ||
| Strongly disagree | 18% | 17% | 19% | 12% | 18% | 22% | 25% | 9% | 25% | 21% | ||
| TOTAL: Agree | 37% | 44% | 30% | 24% | 41% | 43% | 23% | 57% | 17% | 41% | ||
| TOTAL: Disagree | 33% | 29% | 36% | 31% | 31% | 36% | 46% | 20% | 47% | 28% | ||
| Base (n) | 1,124 | 553 | 571 | 337 | 383 | 404 | 375 | 410 | 98 | 142 | ||
- People are split on Scott Morrison’s suggestion that holding an independent inquiry would undermine the rule of law. While 33% disagree with the Prime Minister’s suggestion, 37% agree and 31% are undecided.
- Men are more likely than women to agree with this suggestion (44% to 30% respectively). Those over 55 and those aged 35-54 are also more likely to agree with it than the younger 18-34 cohort (43% and 41% to 24% respectively).
Views towards PM’s decision not to hold an independent investigation into Christian Porter allegations
Q. Which of the following statements regarding the Prime Minister’s decision not to hold an independent investigation into claims of rape and sexual assault against Attorney General Christian Porter is closer to your view?
| Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||||
| Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
| We need to respect the rule of law, we can’t have a trial by mob. The police has said they will not be pressing charges and that should be the end of the matter. | 45% | 49% | 41% | 36% | 42% | 55% | 28% | 63% | 23% | 52% | ||
| The Prime Minister needs an independent investigation to determine if the Attorney General is a fit and proper person to be the nation’s first law officer. | 55% | 51% | 59% | 64% | 58% | 45% | 72% | 37% | 77% | 48% | ||
| Base (n) | 997 | 505 | 492 | 294 | 346 | 357 | 321 | 367 | 89 | 132 | ||
- It’s closer to over half (55%) of people’s view that the Prime Minister needs an independent investigation to determine if the Attorney General is a fit and proper person to be the nation’s first law officer. The majority of women (59%) chose this option.
- Greens and Labor voters are most likely to hold this view (77% and 72% respectively) compared to other voters (37% Coalition voters, 48% minor and independent party voters).
- On the other hand, 45% think ‘We need to respect the rule of law, we can’t have a trial by mob. The police has said they will not be pressing charges and that should be the end of the matter.’ Men (49%), those over 55 (55%) and Coalition voters (63%) are mostly likely to align with this view.
Support towards aged care levy
Q. Last week the Royal Commission into the aged care system released its findings and recommendations.
A major recommendation was the introduction of a levy on all taxpayers to pay for the costs of aged care, similar to the Medicare levy.
To what extent do you support or oppose the introduction of an aged care levy?
| Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||||
| Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
| Strongly support | 12% | 14% | 11% | 6% | 15% | 16% | 11% | 13% | 14% | 14% | ||
| Somewhat support | 26% | 27% | 25% | 23% | 23% | 32% | 30% | 26% | 29% | 19% | ||
| Neither support nor oppose | 31% | 29% | 33% | 46% | 27% | 23% | 32% | 27% | 26% | 32% | ||
| Somewhat oppose | 14% | 12% | 15% | 13% | 15% | 13% | 14% | 14% | 12% | 15% | ||
| Strongly oppose | 17% | 18% | 15% | 12% | 21% | 16% | 13% | 19% | 19% | 20% | ||
| TOTAL: Support | 38% | 41% | 36% | 29% | 38% | 48% | 41% | 40% | 43% | 33% | ||
| TOTAL: Oppose | 30% | 30% | 30% | 25% | 36% | 30% | 27% | 33% | 31% | 35% | ||
| Base (n) | 1,124 | 553 | 571 | 337 | 383 | 404 | 375 | 410 | 98 | 142 | ||
- While 38% support the introduction of an aged care levy, a third (30% oppose) and a further third are undecided (31%).
- Significant difference in support is only seen among the three age cohorts. Unsurprisingly, support is higher with age (48% of those over 55 support the levy, followed by 38% of those 35-54 and 29% of those 18-34). Nearly half (46%) of those 18-34 are undecided about whether they would support or oppose the introduction of an aged care levy.
Federal government response to Covid-19
Q. Overall, how would you rate the federal government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak?
| 01/03 | 15/02 | 01/02 | 30/11 | 16/11 | 02/11 | 05/10 | 21/09 | 07/09 | 24/08 | 10/08 | 27/07 | |
| Very poor | 6% | 5% | 4% | 6% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 8% | 6% | 7% | 6% |
| Quite poor | 8% | 7% | 11% | 8% | 9% | 10% | 12% | 13% | 12% | 11% | 8% | 11% |
| Neither good nor poor | 24% | 19% | 19% | 19% | 18% | 24% | 22% | 21% | 22% | 22% | 21% | 20% |
| Quite good | 39% | 42% | 42% | 41% | 41% | 39% | 39% | 40% | 40% | 40% | 40% | 40% |
| Very good | 23% | 27% | 25% | 26% | 26% | 22% | 21% | 21% | 18% | 22% | 24% | 24% |
| TOTAL: Poor | 14% | 12% | 14% | 13% | 15% | 15% | 18% | 18% | 19% | 17% | 16% | 16% |
| TOTAL: Good | 62% | 69% | 67% | 67% | 67% | 61% | 60% | 61% | 59% | 61% | 63% | 64% |
| Base (n) | 1,074 | 1,109 | 1,092 | 1,034 | 1,010 | 1,063 | 1,066 | 1,081 | 1,076 | 1,068 | 1,010 | 1,058 |
- Rating of the federal government’s handling of Covid-19 has fallen to 62% since last month, the lowest rating we’ve seen since November last year.
COVID-19 RESEARCH
Read Essential's ongoing research on the public response to Covid-19.
Download this week's ReportEssential Report
Two Party Preferred:
Labor
47%
Coalition
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In this week's report:
- Performance of Scott Morrison
- Performance of Anthony Albanese
- Preferred Prime Minister
- Federal government response to Covid-19
- State government response to Covid-19
- Confidence in Labor government handling of Covid-19 pandemic
- Satisfaction with speed of Covid-19 vaccine rollout
- Party most responsible for slow vaccine rollout
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