Comparison of Leader Attributes
Julia Gillard |
Tony Abbott |
Difference |
|
Intelligent |
61% |
56% |
+5% |
Hard-working |
65% |
68% |
-3% |
A capable leader |
38% |
41% |
-3% |
Arrogant |
53% |
61% |
-8% |
Out of touch with ordinary people |
65% |
54% |
+11% |
Understands the problems facing Australia |
41% |
49% |
-8% |
Visionary |
25% |
26% |
-1% |
Superficial |
54% |
49% |
+5% |
Good in a crisis |
36% |
36% |
– |
Narrow-minded |
53% |
54% |
-1% |
More honest than most politicians |
26% |
30% |
-4% |
Trustworthy |
25% |
32% |
-7% |
Julia Gillard rates higher than Tony Abbott on out of touch with ordinary people (+11%), intelligent (+5%) and superficial (+5%).
She rates lower than Tony Abbott on arrogant (-8%), understands the problems facing Australia (-8%) and trustworthy (-7%).
Descriptions of Leaders
Q. Regardless of how you vote, what words would you use to describe the positions taken by Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott on the issue of asylum seekers, including the recent attempt at legislating the deal with Malaysia?
Julia Gillard | Tony Abbott | Difference | |
Just playing politics | 46% | 47% | -1 |
Stubborn | 26% | 20% | +6 |
Unethical | 24% | 14% | +10 |
Too soft | 21% | 7% | +14 |
Populist | 13% | 14% | -1 |
Cruel | 13% | 9% | +4 |
Responsible | 11% | 16% | -5 |
Fair | 10% | 15% | -5 |
Too hard | 10% | 6% | +4 |
Balanced | 7% | 11% | -4 |
Principled | 6% | 11% | -5 |
Visionary | 6% | 5% | +1 |
Nearly half the respondents believe that both Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott have been “just playing politics” over the issue of asylum seekers.
The main differences between the leaders positions on asylum seekers were that Julia Gillard was more likely to be considered “too soft” (21% to 7%) and “unethical” (24% to 14%). Julia Gillard was also a little more likely to be considered “stubborn” (26% to 20%).

COVID-19 RESEARCH
Read Essential's ongoing research on the public response to Covid-19.
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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
- Views towards Australia’s international reputation
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