Industrial Relations Remains Key Issue In Lead Up To Federal Election
| Finding No. 4159 -
April 30, 2007 |
Special Morgan Poll Qualitative Research conducted during April (prior to the Federal ALP Conference) finds:
• The Liberal Party’s superior economic management skills are often cited by its supporters;
• Despite public criticism, John Howard’s ongoing popularity among Liberal Party supporters again proves to be a major attraction;
• The most prevalent reason Labor supporters gave for their support of the party was the negative effect of the industrial relations laws;
• A significant proportion of ALP supporters said they intend to vote for Labor because of general disillusionment with John Howard and his Liberal Government; and
• A similar proportion of ALP supporters said the major reason for their decision was Kevin Rudd and his policy platform.
Gary Morgan says:
“In April, the reasons given by electors for supporting their preferred party are similar to the findings of the March Federal Roy Morgan Qualitative Research. Among Liberal supporters John Howard is seen as an experienced and successful politician who leads a party with far superior economic credentials.
“Supporters of Labor continue to cite negative effects of the industrial relations reforms and a general disillusionment with the Coalition Government.
“This special Roy Morgan Qualitative Research was conducted prior to the ALP’s national conference in Sydney where Kevin Rudd outlined his alternative to the WorkChoices legislation. Whether electors accept the reinstatement of union power, or not, will play a key role in deciding if Kevin Rudd is Australia’s next Prime Minister.”
Special Roy Morgan Qualitative Research was conducted during April, in which electors gave reasons for supporting their preferred Party:
The Liberal Party’s superior economic management skills are often cited by its supporters:
“I believe Howard has paid off a lot of debt — he is the right man for the job.”
“The present Government has done a good job with the economy — I’m scared of the unions running the country again.”
“The Liberals don’t put the country into debt. Labor always overspends and creates debt for the country.”
“Labor doesn’t have long-term economic management skills.”
“They have more economic sense than Labor.”
“I don’t think the Labor Party is good at managing money.”
Despite public criticism, John Howard’s ongoing popularity among Liberal Party supporters again proves to be a major attraction:
“I’m confident with Howard — he’s so popular, even with all the problems of the day. He’s doing a good job and he’s a good bloke.”
“I think the Prime Minister is doing a good job no matter what everyone else thinks.”
“I like the way John Howard governs.”
“Fiscally speaking, the Liberal Party has proved itself. I am supportive of their IR laws.”
“I am comfortable with the current leadership and its policies.”
“He’s made a few mistakes, but I still think John Howard is the best Prime Minister ever.”
The most prevalent reason Labor supporters gave for their support of the party was the negative effect of the industrial relations laws:
“I believe it’s time for a change. Howard has been there long enough. Like a lot of people, I’m concerned about the workforce reform laws. Been there long enough for cronyism — they’re too set in their ways.”
“I’ve always voted Liberal. Don’t agree with John Howard’s policies, particularly the IR laws. Plus, John Howard may hand to Peter Costello and I don’t want him PM.”
“I like the social policy of Labor Party. I don’t like the IR policy of the Liberals — it seems a bit like slavery.”
“I prefer Labor’s ethics and standards. I am very much against the IR laws and a lot of what Howard has done and said. I used to be proud to be Australian, but I am now ashamed. I think it’s disgraceful that the disabled and mothers with young children are forced to work when wealthy mothers aren’t. I don’t like Howard’s treatment of the unions.”
“I’ve always voted Liberal, however, I don’t agree with the new workplace agreements.”
“The worry about the workplace laws caused me to prefer Labor, but I used to vote Liberals.”
A significant proportion of ALP supporters said they intend to vote for Labor because of general disillusionment with John Howard and his Liberal Government:
“I don’t like what’s happened in Iraq. I didn’t like what happened with ‘children overboard’. I’m voting against the Liberals, not for the Labor Party.”
“I don’t like John Howard; I think he’s lost it. He doesn’t listen to people anymore, whereas I think the Labor Party listens.”
“John Howard’s policies are detrimental to Australia’s image to the world — they are downright shameful, example Tampa, Nauru refugees, children overboard, David Hicks.”
“I don’t trust or like John Howard. His treatment of immigrants, particularly refugees and ‘boat people’, is appalling, together with his lack of responsibility for the AWB kickbacks scandal.”
“I’m very dissatisfied with the leadership of the Liberal Party — I believe they are totally dishonest.”
“We seem to be bigoted against Muslims, but are a bit different in that we seem black-tolerant. Also because of the way we went to war, the treatment of refugees, and the anti-terror laws.”
“I’m dissatisfied with the current Government. I think Howard is very arrogant and doesn’t really care about low income families.”
A similar proportion of ALP supporters said the major reason for their decision was Kevin Rudd and his policy platform:
“I’ll vote Labor because I currently require support services and as I understand it, Labor will provide better services. I’m concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability of the Liberals.”
“I think the new Labor Party under Rudd seems to have its finger on the pulse.”
“Labor has some good ideas for families — new ideas. Howard’s ‘going to do this, going to do that’ and never follows through. Rudd seems a genuine bloke.”
“I believe in what Labor stand for. They are not perfect, however, they are more for the little people with not a lot of money and for social benefit — I agree.”
“I am a fan of Kevin Rudd and his policies. And I believe the Greens should be in there to keep them honest.”
This special Roy Morgan qualitative research was conducted April 7/8, 2007, with Australian electors.
For further information:
Gary Morgan: Office (03) 9224 5213 Mobile 0411 129 094 Home (03) 9419 3242
Michele Levine: Office (03) 9224 5215 Mobile 0411 129 093 Home (03) 9817 3066
The Morgan Poll is conducted by the ONLY Australian and New Zealand member of the Gallup International Association.
No other public opinion poll taken in Australia has this qualification.
|
