Among the minor parties, support for the Greens was 9% (unchanged), Australian Democrats 2% (up 0.5%), One Nation 0.5% (unchanged) and Other Parties and Independent Candidates 7% (up 0.5%).

On a two-party preferred basis, support for the ALP was up 0.5% to 63% while support for the L-NP was down 0.5% to 37%. If a State election had been held during June, the ALP would have won easily.

During the polling period:

• The NSW Government and Premier Bob Carr received criticism from the Federal Tourism Minister, Joe Hockey, and the President of the NSW Tourism Industry Council, Dennis Winchester, for not supporting local tourism and major events with the same vigour of interstate counterparts.

• Premier Bob Carr turned his attention to the issue of over-governance in NSW. He told Local Government Councillors that there must be a reduction in the number of Local Government Authorities in the State and demanded that local councils take the opportunity to amalgamate and improve services, or he would step in.

• The NSW Government delivered the State Budget on June 25. The eighth successive surplus Budget (a small $43m) included increases in spending in education, health, community service and capital works. Treasurer Michael Egan described the Budget as "socially responsive and financially responsible". While considered an unsurprising and competent Budget, commentators bemoaned the lack of imagination and daring that should have been possible at the start of a four-year term.

Special Roy Morgan Qualitative Research in which respondents gave their reason for voting was conducted on June 14-15, 2003. Typical reasons for voting ALP included "I like the current policies - health especially. They are strong and progressive", "This Party is for the people", "They care for the poor and have a good policy for the country", "I am happy with the current Government" and "The Opposition is inexperienced in leadership". A large number of responses from ALP supporters were praising Bob Carr, with comments including "I like Bob Carr and his leadership capability", "This Premier is worth while voting for. The State has been run well under him", "Mr Carr has his finger on the pulse" and "I like Bob Carr - I think he is serious and honest. I think he tries his best."

Typical reasons for voting for the Coalition included "Labor is not doing very much at the moment", "Give the Liberals a go and see if they can do better", "ALP can’t handle finances", "I prefer the policies of the Liberals and I relate more to their ideals" and "We need a change". Some respondents’ comments displayed a lack of trust for Labor policies and leadership, with comments including "I don’t like being lied to", "I don’t trust the ALP" and "Bob Carr told us lies before the last election." Others felt that the ALP lacked a powerful opponent, with one respondent commenting, "The present Government needs a stronger Opposition - I would vote for the Opposition to make them stronger".

This latest Morgan Poll on New South Wales State Voting Intention was conducted face-to-face among 1,706 electors throughout New South Wales during June 2003. Electors were asked: "If a State election were being held today — which Party would receive your first preference?"

Of all electors surveyed 4.5% (down 0.5%) did not name a party.

Further information:

Gary Morgan:    Office: (03) 9224 5213    Mobile: 0411 129 094    Home: (03) 9419 3242

NSW STATE VOTING INTENTION SUMMARY (%)

Note: National Party results are in brackets

## Results from sample sizes under 50 should be treated with caution.

Sample: 1,706 electors

Interviewed: June 2003.

4.5% (down 0.5%) did not name a party.