Yesterday the Prime Minister issued an ultimatum to the Senate to pass the government’s controversial Australian Building Corruption Commission bill or risk going to an early double dissolution election. But what do voters think of re-establishing the ABCC?
In collaboration with our partners at Essential Media we commissioned this polling last week, before Malcolm Turnbull’s manoeuvring. It gives an insight into how the ABCC is perceived out in voter land.
Q. Do you support or oppose re-establishing the ABCC?
As you can see, a significantly higher proportion of people support re-establishing the watchdog than oppose it — and for Turnbull, that’s a good thing. However, there is also a large amount of apathy and ignorance in the community on this issue. Don’t know and don’t care — let’s call them the “meh” cohort — made up 49% of responses.
On a double dissolution election, the findings were similar.
Q. If the Senate rejects the bill to restore the ABCC, or the Senate fails to pass it, would you approve or disapprove the government calling a double-dissolution election?
In his press conference yesterday, Turnbull said, “I make no apology for interrupting senators’ seven-week break to bring them back to deal with this legislation. This is an opportunity for the Senate to do its job of legislating rather than filibustering.”
But many voters don’t see what all the fuss is about. Issues that do rate highly in the community include economic growth, health, education and infrastructure. It’s time for Turnbull to get on with the job of governing, and put a plan on the table across these key areas.
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