Essential Report
Support for nuclear energy in Australia
Q. To what extent do you support or oppose Australia developing nuclear power plants for the generation of electricity?
| Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||
| Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||
| Strongly support | 20% | 29% | 10% | 14% | 19% | 25% | 16% | 30% | 12% | 20% |
| Somewhat support | 30% | 30% | 30% | 33% | 27% | 31% | 26% | 35% | 26% | 27% |
| Somewhat oppose | 15% | 14% | 16% | 19% | 14% | 13% | 19% | 12% | 13% | 13% |
| Strongly oppose | 17% | 16% | 17% | 14% | 21% | 16% | 20% | 8% | 37% | 24% |
| Unsure | 18% | 10% | 27% | 21% | 18% | 16% | 19% | 15% | 11% | 15% |
| TOTAL: Support | 50% | 59% | 41% | 47% | 47% | 55% | 42% | 65% | 38% | 47% |
| TOTAL: Oppose | 32% | 31% | 33% | 32% | 35% | 28% | 39% | 20% | 50% | 37% |
| Base (n) | 1,094 | 539 | 555 | 341 | 368 | 385 | 366 | 397 | 101 | 130 |
- Half of Australians say they would support Australia developing nuclear power-plants, but a third would oppose. The issue is divisive, with similar proportion of people strongly supporting (20%) and strongly opposing (17%) nuclear power in Australia.
- Support for nuclear power is highest among men (59%), those aged over 55 (55%) and Coalition voters (65%).
Preferred energy sources for government support
Q. As you may be aware, many of Australia’s coal-fired power stations are reaching the end of their operational lives and will soon need to be replaced.
Which of the following would you prefer that the government supported?
| Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||
| Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | Liberal + National | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||
| Renewable energy solutions (e.g. wind and solar) | 65% | 52% | 77% | 61% | 72% | 60% | 76% | 51% | 79% | 54% |
| New nuclear power stations | 19% | 28% | 10% | 17% | 15% | 25% | 12% | 28% | 11% | 19% |
| New coal-fired power stations | 8% | 8% | 9% | 11% | 8% | 7% | 5% | 11% | 3% | 14% |
| New gas-fired power stations | 8% | 12% | 4% | 11% | 5% | 8% | 7% | 9% | 7% | 12% |
| Base (n) | 1,094 | 539 | 555 | 341 | 368 | 385 | 366 | 397 | 101 | 130 |
- Renewable energy is the preferred power for the future for the majority of Australians (65%).
- One in five (20%) say they want the government to prioritise support for nuclear power.
- Fossil fuels receive little support – with just 8% wanting government support for coal or gas.
- The majority of all demographics want the government to prioritise support for renewables.
Support for uses of nuclear technology
Q. To what extent would you support or oppose using nuclear energy sources for the following?
| TOTAL: Support | TOTAL: Oppose | Strongly support | Somewhat support | Neither support nor oppose | Somewhat oppose | Strongly oppose | |
| To power a submarine fleet for the Royal Australian Navy | 47% | 21% | 22% | 24% | 32% | 11% | 10% |
| To establish Australia’s nuclear weapon capabilities | 29% | 38% | 11% | 19% | 33% | 16% | 22% |
| To supply power to Australian households and businesses | 48% | 24% | 22% | 26% | 29% | 10% | 13% |
| TOTAL: Support | Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | ||||||
| Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||
| To power a submarine fleet for the Royal Australian Navy | 47% | 56% | 38% | 38% | 43% | 58% | 39% | 66% | 29% | 45% |
| To establish Australia’s nuclear weapon capabilities | 29% | 37% | 22% | 32% | 30% | 26% | 26% | 38% | 25% | 32% |
| To supply power to Australian households and businesses | 48% | 57% | 38% | 44% | 47% | 51% | 41% | 63% | 34% | 47% |
| Base (n) | 1,094 | 539 | 555 | 341 | 368 | 385 | 366 | 397 | 101 | 130 |
- Following the AUKUS submarine partnership announcement last week, 47% say they support the use of nuclear power to fuel vessels for the Royal Australian Navy. A similar proportion support the introduction of nuclear power generation (47%).
- There is less enthusiasm for nuclear weapons, with less than a third (29%) supporting this, and higher opposition to the idea of Australia developing nuclear weapons (37%).
- Those most likely to be supportive of all forms of nuclear technology are men and Coalition voters. Older people are more supportive than younger people of nuclear submarines and power generation.
Agreement with AUKUS implications
Q. Australia recently announced a trilateral partnership with the US and UK (known as AUKUS) which will deliver a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines for Australia.
The new security pact sees Australia cancel its previous deal with France’s Naval Group to build conventionally powered submarines.
How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the new AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine partnership?
| TOTAL: Agree | TOTAL: Disagree | Strongly agree | Somewhat agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Somewhat disagree | Strongly disagree | |
| Australia is right to build strong relations with the US and UK for its national defence | 62% | 8% | 33% | 29% | 30% | 5% | 3% |
| The AUKUS partnership strains Australia’s trade relations with China who see it as a threat | 55% | 8% | 20% | 35% | 37% | 5% | 3% |
| The AUKUS partnership may endanger future trade deals with France and the EU | 48% | 13% | 16% | 32% | 39% | 9% | 4% |
| The AUKUS partnership is in Australia’s best security and economic interests | 54% | 12% | 26% | 28% | 34% | 7% | 5% |
| Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||
| Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||
| Australia is right to build strong relations with the US and UK for its national defence | 62% | 68% | 56% | 49% | 58% | 77% | 59% | 78% | 44% | 58% |
| The AUKUS partnership strains Australia’s trade relations with China who see it as a threat | 55% | 61% | 49% | 49% | 54% | 61% | 57% | 57% | 65% | 55% |
| The AUKUS partnership may endanger future trade deals with France and the EU | 48% | 49% | 47% | 47% | 47% | 49% | 53% | 47% | 64% | 48% |
| The AUKUS partnership is in Australia’s best security and economic interests | 54% | 62% | 46% | 45% | 50% | 66% | 49% | 72% | 36% | 47% |
| Base (n) | 1,094 | 539 | 555 | 341 | 368 | 385 | 366 | 397 | 101 | 130 |
- While 62% think it is good for Australia to strengthen relations with the US and UK through the AUKUS partnership, 55% acknowledge it will strain the trading relationship with China and 48% see the risk to relationships with France and other EU countries.
- Just over half think the AUKUS partnership is in Australia’s best economic and security interests (54%).
- The partnership appeals to Coalition voters, who are most likely to think it is right to build strong relations with the UK and US (78%) and agree that the deal is in Australia’s best interests (72%).
National security and AUKUS partnership
Q. Thinking about the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine partnership, which 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 | ||
| The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine partnership will make Australia more secure | 45% | 47% | 44% | 34% | 40% | 60% | 39% | 62% | 30% | 38% |
| The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine partnership will not affect Australia’s security | 36% | 34% | 37% | 48% | 36% | 24% | 39% | 27% | 40% | 33% |
| The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine partnership will make Australia less secure | 19% | 19% | 19% | 18% | 24% | 15% | 22% | 12% | 30% | 29% |
| Base (n) | 1,094 | 539 | 555 | 341 | 368 | 385 | 366 | 397 | 101 | 130 |
- Less than half think the AUKUS partnership will make Australia more secure (45%). 36% think it will not affect our security and 19% think we are now at more risk.
- Those aged over 55 and Coalition voters are most likely to believe Australia is now more secure due to the AUKUS partnership.
Managing Australia’s relationship with China
Q. Overall, which is closest to your view about Australia’s relationship with China?
| Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||
| Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||
| Australia’s relationship with China is a positive opportunity to be realised | 10% | 13% | 7% | 14% | 11% | 6% | 11% | 10% | 12% | 8% |
| Australia’s relationship with China is a complex relationship to be managed | 66% | 63% | 69% | 65% | 64% | 70% | 66% | 66% | 66% | 61% |
| Australia’s relationship with China is a threat to be confronted | 24% | 24% | 23% | 21% | 25% | 24% | 23% | 24% | 21% | 31% |
| Base (n) | 1,094 | 539 | 555 | 341 | 368 | 385 | 366 | 397 | 101 | 130 |
- Over twice as many people think Australia’s relationship with China is a threat to be confronted than a positive opportunity to be realised (24% to 10%). However most believe it is a complex relationship to be managed.
- Younger people aged 18-34 are more likely to see the opportunity for a positive relationship with China than those aged over 55 (14% to 6%).
Federal government response to Covid-19
Q. Overall, how would you rate the federal government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak?
| 13/09 | 30/08 | 16/08 | 02/08 | 19/07 | 05/07 | 07/06 | 24/05 | 12/04 | 15/03 | 01/03 | 15/02 | 01/02 | |
| Very poor | 16% | 16% | 13% | 16% | 13% | 12% | 10% | 6% | 7% | 5% | 6% | 5% | 4% |
| Quite poor | 20% | 20% | 22% | 19% | 19% | 17% | 14% | 12% | 10% | 7% | 8% | 7% | 11% |
| Neither good nor poor | 21% | 24% | 24% | 28% | 23% | 26% | 22% | 25% | 21% | 18% | 24% | 19% | 19% |
| Quite good | 28% | 29% | 32% | 28% | 32% | 33% | 38% | 40% | 40% | 39% | 39% | 42% | 42% |
| Very good | 15% | 10% | 9% | 10% | 14% | 11% | 15% | 18% | 22% | 31% | 23% | 27% | 25% |
| TOTAL: Poor | 35% | 36% | 35% | 35% | 31% | 30% | 24% | 18% | 17% | 12% | 14% | 12% | 14% |
| TOTAL: Good | 43% | 39% | 41% | 38% | 46% | 44% | 53% | 58% | 62% | 70% | 62% | 69% | 67% |
| Base (n) | 1,100 | 1,100 | 1,100 | 1,098 | 1,100 | 1,099 | 1,104 | 1,100 | 1,368 | 1,124 | 1,074 | 1,109 | 1,092 |
| TOTAL: Good | 13/09 | 30/08 | 16/08 | 02/08 | 19/07 | 05/07 | 07/06 | 24/05 | 12/04 | 15/03 | 01/03 |
| NSW | 41% | 34% | 34% | 39% | 49% | 44% | 62% | 56% | 66% | 69% | 64% |
| VIC | 39% | 35% | 37% | 33% | 39% | 40% | 42% | 57% | 55% | 65% | 51% |
| QLD | 43% | 45% | 44% | 40% | 46% | 48% | 54% | 56% | 63% | 69% | 66% |
| SA | 54% | 48% | 45% | 48% | 51% | 48% | 58% | 66% | 62% | 78% | 68% |
| WA | 51% | 51% | 53% | 37% | 51% | 42% | 49% | 56% | 65% | 75% | 66% |
- 43% of people rate the federal government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak as quite good or very good (39% two weeks ago), with 35% rating it as quite poor or very poor.
- Positive rating of the federal government’s handling of Covid-19 has increased in NSW from 34% a fortnight ago to 41%, in VIC from 35% to 39%, and in SA from 48% to 54%.
State government response to Covid-19
Q. How would you rate your state government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak?
| TOTAL: Good | 13/09 | 30/08 | 16/08 | 02/08 | 19/07 | 05/07 | 07/06 | 24/05 | 12/04 | 15/03 | 01/03 | 15/02 | 01/02 |
| NSW | 46% | 40% | 42% | 47% | 54% | 57% | 69% | 68% | 73% | 75% | 72% | 72% | 71% |
| VIC | 50% | 44% | 56% | 54% | 49% | 50% | 48% | 63% | 58% | 62% | 49% | 59% | 61% |
| QLD | 65% | 67% | 66% | 60% | 62% | 61% | 65% | 68% | 72% | 75% | 73% | 76% | 78% |
| SA | 67% | 76% | 68% | 73% | 68% | 67% | 67% | 71% | 75% | 85% | 78% | 79% | 80% |
| WA | 87% | 78% | 87% | 82% | 77% | 86% | 75% | 77% | 84% | 91% | 85% | 88% | 80% |
- Positive rating of the state government’s response to Covid-19 has increased in both NSW and VIC by 6 percentage points respectively (now 46% and 50% respectively).
- After weeks of falling ratings, this is the first improvement seen in both states since the first half of August. However, we are yet to see these ratings recover to their high levels in the first quarter of the year.
- While still a relatively high rating, positive rating of the SA government’s response to Covid-19 has dropped by 9 percentage points to 67% in the last fortnight.
- Contrastingly, positive rating of the WA government’s handling of Covid-19 has increased 9 percentage points to 87%. Both SA and WA ratings reflect those seen a month ago.
- Positive rating of the QLD government is at 65%, consistent with last month (66%).
COVID-19 RESEARCH
Read Essential's ongoing research on the public response to Covid-19.
Essential Report
In this week's report:
- Performance of Scott Morrison
- Performance of Anthony Albanese
- Preferred Prime Minister
- Views towards re-electing the federal Coalition government
- Party trust to handle issues
- Importance of Australia’s international reputation
- Scott Morrison’s impact on Australia’s international reputation
- Views towards Australia’s international reputation
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