Q. The federal government plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 26–28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Which of the following would you prefer the federal government pursued?

• There is a demand for strong commitment to reducing emissions. 43% want to set a more ambitious target for 2030 with a further 25% wanting to aim for net-zero by 2050.
• Over half of those aged 18-34, Labor and greens voters all want more ambitious targets for 2030.
• The majority of Coalition voters at least want net-zero targets for 2050 (65%), with 38% wanting more ambitious targets for 2030.

Q. The UN climate summit (COP26) will start on October 31 in Glasgow, Scotland.

During the summit, world leaders are expected to develop the next emissions standards to slow global warming and keep temperature rise below 1.5C. Australia is one of 200 countries expected to outline their emissions reduction goals for 2030.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

• Most people agree that the expected emissions reduction goals for 2030 are both an opportunity and threat for Australia.
• Just under two-thirds agree that Australia can develop expertise in renewable energy and innovative technologies that other countries will demand (64%) and that manufacturing could benefit from cheap electricity if more solar and wind farms were built (63%).
• There is majority agreement with the threats for Australia if they do not match other countries’ commitments with 57% agreeing with both statements – that Australia needs to follow other countries’ lead and make climate change a priority, and Australia cannot afford to be locked out of the EU or other trade markets for failing to adopt a net zero emissions by 2050 target.

Q. Overall, how would you rate the federal government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak?

• 45% of people rate the federal government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak as quite good or very good (up from 39% last month), with 30% rating it as quite poor or very poor.
• Positive rating of the federal government’s handling of Covid-19 has increased in NSW to 48%, from 41% a fortnight ago and 34% last month. Positive rating has also dropped in SA to 42%, from 54% last time.

Q. How would you rate your state government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak?

• Positive rating of the state government’s response to Covid-19 has increased in NSW from 46% to 53%.
• Rating in Victoria returns to 44% (equal to last month), after being at 50% earlier in September.
• Positive rating of State government has also fallen in SA, from 67% to 55%.

Q. As you may be aware, the NSW/Victorian government recently announced its roadmap to ease Covid restrictions once vaccination targets are reached.

Thinking about this roadmap out of lockdown, which of the following applies to you?

• Confidence in re-opening roadmaps is higher in NSW than Victoria.
• 48% of people in NSW understand and have confidence in the state’s re-opening plan, compared to 26% in Victoria.
• 40% of people in NSW understand the plan, but aren’t confident that it will lead to easing restrictions, compared to 50% of Victorians.

Q. The Covid-19 vaccine rollout is underway in Australia.

Which of the following best describes your situation? 

• Uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine continues to increase, with 75% having received at least a first dose. A further 9% are waiting to receive a first dose they have already booked in.
• Overall, 7% of people say they do not intend to get a vaccine, but this is highest among those intending to vote for a minor party at 23% (e.g. One Nation or UAP) or an independent candidate at the next federal election.

Q. Which of the following do you think should be Australia’s long-term approach to safely quarantining international travellers?

• There has been a shift in attitudes towards quarantine requirements in the past three months. Preference for international travellers to stay in home quarantine has doubled since June, from 16% to 32%.
• Meanwhile, those preferring purpose-built quarantine facilities has declined from 65% to 49%, though this remains the most preferred solution.
• Switching preference from purpose-built quarantine to at-home is seen across all demographics, for example with both men and women are less likely to prefer purpose-built quarantine facilities (men falling from 60% to 47% and women from 71% to 51%).
• There continues to be little support for hotel quarantine as a long-term solution, with just 6% selecting this option (9% in June).

Q. Which party would you trust most to handle the following issues?

• The Liberal party is most trusted to handle national security (41%, 13pts higher than Labor), manage the economy (41%, 10pts higher than Labor) and maintain international relations (37%, 5pts ahead of Labor).
• Labor are most trusted to handle fair wages and workplace conditions (46%, 18pt ahead of Liberals), address climate change (39%, 13pts ahead of Liberals), protect Australian jobs and local industries (41%, 9pts over Liberals) and increase housing affordability (38%, 9pts over Liberals).
• There is little difference in trust between the two major parties to ensure the quality of healthcare or education systems.
• The difference in trust between the parties is mostly similar to last time this was tested in October 2019.