Q. Following the allegations of rape and sexual assault against Attorney General Christian Porter last week, Scott Morrison has rejected calls for an independent inquiry, saying that “I don’t agree with that because I don’t agree with the precedent or the prima facie case for there being such a process… because that would say the rule of law and our police are not competent to deal with these issues.”.

To what extent do you agree with his suggestion that holding an independent inquiry would undermine the rule of law?

• People are split on Scott Morrison’s suggestion that holding an independent inquiry would undermine the rule of law. While 33% disagree with the Prime Minister’s suggestion, 37% agree and 31% are undecided.
• Men are more likely than women to agree with this suggestion (44% to 30% respectively). Those over 55 and those aged 35-54 are also more likely to agree with it than the younger 18-34 cohort (43% and 41% to 24% respectively).

Q. Which of the following statements regarding the Prime Minister’s decision not to hold an independent investigation into claims of rape and sexual assault against Attorney General Christian Porter is closer to your view?

• It’s closer to over half (55%) of people’s view that the Prime Minister needs an independent investigation to determine if the Attorney General is a fit and proper person to be the nation’s first law officer. The majority of women (59%) chose this option.
• Greens and Labor voters are most likely to hold this view (77% and 72% respectively) compared to other voters (37% Coalition voters, 48% minor and independent party voters).
• On the other hand, 45% think ‘We need to respect the rule of law, we can’t have a trial by mob. The police has said they will not be pressing charges and that should be the end of the matter.’ Men (49%), those over 55 (55%) and Coalition voters (63%) are mostly likely to align with this view.