Voters Indifferent on IR
Australians are largely apathetic towards the Federal Government’s much maligned WorkChoices initiative when compared to other key election issues such as the environment, the economy, healthcare and education.
A new CoreData survey of 3,440 Australians in early May reveals only one in fifteen people (6.8%) identify the Howard Government’s industrial relations changes as the primary issue concerning them.
Yet with a national election rapidly approaching later this year, the recently introduced industrial relations changes are being ear marked as one of the primary issues the Liberals and Labor will clash horns over.
However according to the CoreData poll, the environment (36.7%) and the domestic economy (21.1%) are the two key topics voters are concerned about.
When combined (57.8%) these two subjects were the most top of mind for more than half of the population.
The Government may have forked out $44 million of tax payer’s money in a spending blitz promoting its WorkChoices program in 2006 to convince a largely skeptical public the initiative was in the best interests of the country, but it seems other issues are now taking precedence with voters.
Other prominent issues both parties may need to have a clear strategy for tackling are terrorism (10.70%) and healthcare (10.06%) and Education (9.53%).
It seems less prominent topics six months out from votes being cast are Childcare (2.01%) and the situation in Iraq (3.11%).
IFP says:
Just as there are some who are concerned about Howard’s “unfair” IR laws, there are some who are concerned about the return of powerful and disruptive unions, and with union membership as low as it has ever been I wonder how many people are in the former category.
What portion of those for whom industrial relations is a major issue were pro-Howard and what percentage pro-Rudd?
Craig says:
Feel free to contact our sydney office Henno – I’m sure the good people there will help you out with your queries 9231 0200,
cheers
henno says:
Tthe survey would be easier to understand and validate if you could provide nature and range of recipients socio economic status etc.The actual questions aked would also b e important