Q. Thinking about Australian industries and the ways in which the Government can give them assistance and support – which forms of assistance and support do you think the Government should give to the following industries? (multi-response)
Lower tax rates | Direct subsidies and grants | Protection from overseas competition | Total should give assistance | Should not give any assistance | Don’t know | |
Agriculture | 34% | 44% | 45% | 79% | 7% | 14% |
Renewable energy e.g. solar panels, wind farms | 34% | 56% | 19% | 79% | 7% | 14% |
Other manufacturing e.g. clothing, whitegoods | 24% | 16% | 43% | 69% | 14% | 17% |
Car manufacturing | 22% | 18% | 39% | 66% | 16% | 18% |
Mining | 13% | 9% | 19% | 37% | 42% | 21% |
Banking and finance | 13% | 3% | 12% | 25% | 57% | 18% |
Media e.g. newspapers, TV stations | 5% | 5% | 12% | 21% | 58% | 21% |
More than three-quarters of respondents are in favour of Government assistance and support for agriculture and renewable energy industries. 45% believe that agriculture should receive protection from overseas competition and 56% support direct grants and subsidies for renewable energy.
About two-thirds are in favour of Government support for car and other manufacturing industries – especially protection from overseas competition.
Media (21%) and banking and finance (25%) are thought to be least deserving of Government support.
By voting intention Liberal/National voters were a little more likely to favour Government support for agriculture (87%) and mining (44%).