Essential Report
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 | ||
New coal-fired power stations | 15% | 19% | 11% | 15% | 14% | 15% | 10% | 20% | 11% | 24% |
New gas-fired power stations | 15% | 21% | 10% | 13% | 13% | 19% | 12% | 20% | 11% | 13% |
Renewable energy solutions (e.g. wind and solar) | 70% | 60% | 79% | 72% | 73% | 66% | 78% | 60% | 78% | 63% |
Base (n) | 1,081 | 539 | 542 | 338 | 374 | 369 | 298 | 460 | 115 | 104 |
- The vast majority of people would prefer the Government supported renewable energy solutions ahead of coal or gas powered plants.
- 70% of people opted for renewable power, with just 15% each selecting gas and coal powered stations.
- The preference for renewables was across all gender, age and voting demographics.
- Those most supportive of renewable energy sources include women (79%), Labor voters (78%) and Greens voters (78%).The highest support for coal-fired power stations was among Coalition voters (20%), residents of NSW (20%) and people living in regional areas.

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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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