Essential Report
Government decision making
Q. Governments often need to consider the interests of a number of stakeholders when making decisions, including those of corporate interests. In general, do you think when governments make decisions, they –
Total | Vote Labor | Vote Lib/Nat | Vote Greens | |
Total favour corporate interests | 60% | 64% | 55% | 76% |
Total favour voter interests | 9% | 4% | 14% | 2% |
Very strongly favour corporate interests | 26% | 27% | 20% | 40% |
Somewhat favour corporate interests | 34% | 37% | 35% | 36% |
Balance the interests of voters and corporate interests | 19% | 21% | 22% | 15% |
Somewhat favour the interests of voters | 5% | 2% | 9% | – |
Very strongly favour the interests of voters | 4% | 2% | 5% | 2% |
Don’t know | 12% | 12% | 8% | 6% |
60% of respondents think that governments in general make decisions in favour of corporate interests. 9% think they make decisions in favour of voter interests and 19% think they balance the interests of voters and corporations.
By gender – men split 56% corporate interests, 12% voters interests, 24% balanced and women 65% corporate, 4% voters, 15% balanced.

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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
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