Fastest Growing Religion
Q. Which of the following religions do you think has grown the fastest in Australia during the 10 years between 1996 and 2006, when the last national census was taken?
Total | Vote Labor | Vote Lib/Nat | Vote Greens | |
Christianity (including Catholic, Uniting Church, Anglican, etc) | 8% | 7% | 11% | 7% |
Hinduism | 3% | 2% | 3% | 4% |
Islam (Muslim) | 57% | 58% | 64% | 50% |
Buddhism | 5% | 3% | 4% | 11% |
Judaism (Jewish) | * | 1% | – | – |
Don’t know/Refuse | 27% | 29% | 19% | 27% |
57% believe that Islam is the fastest growing religion in Australia. This perception is broadly similar across all age/gender groups – although a little higher for Liberal/National voters (64%) and those aged 55+ (65%).
Concern about Muslims (post information)
Q. The 2006 Census figures show that in fact the fastest growing religions in Australia are Hinduism, Buddhism and then Islam. Presently, only 1.71% of the Australian population identifies as Muslim. In light of this information, how concerned are you about the number of Muslim people in Australia?
Total | Vote Labor | Vote Lib/Nat | Vote Greens | |
Total concerned | 50% | 43% | 62% | 22% |
Total not concerned | 45% | 54% | 35% | 76% |
Very Concerned | 22% | 18% | 29% | 11% |
Somewhat concerned | 28% | 25% | 33% | 11% |
Not very concerned | 26% | 27% | 24% | 32% |
Not at all concerned | 19% | 27% | 11% | 44% |
Don’t know | 5% | 4% | 4% | 1% |
After being given some information about the number of Muslims in Australia, 50% said they were still very/somewhat concerned and 45% said they were not very or not at all concerned. This represents a 7% fall in level of concern from the question asked before this information was given to respondents.
All demographic and voter groups showed a similar fall in level of concern.

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
Sign up for updates
Receive the Essential Report in your inbox.Essential Tags
Recent Comments
