The poll of 1,100 voters, conducted by YouGov, also found that more people consider Indonesia to be a friend than the US, and more believe the US is a threat to Australia than Indonesia.
The Director of The Australia Institute’s International & Security Affairs program, Dr Emma Shortis, said the poll revealed that Australian politicians, particularly government leaders, are out of touch with the opinions of those who elect them.
“Australians can see the Trump administration for what it is. These numbers reflect a global shift – the rest of the world is re-ordering itself in response. It’s time the Australian government adjusted its focus too,” Dr Shortis said.
“Around two thirds of Australians see Indonesia as a friend while just half consider the US a friend. Australians know our security is here, in our own region. 42% of Australians now see the US as a threat or major threat to Australia, compared to just one-in-five who think the same of Indonesia.
“These numbers highlight the huge disconnect in Australian foreign policy. Most Australians no longer trust the United States. Our government, on the other hand, is behaving as if nothing has changed.
“A recent poll found that the vast majority of Americans have a positive opinion of Australia. It turns out we don’t feel the same about them.”
Key findings:
- When asked about five countries, more Australians considered New Zealand to be a close friend or friend (97%), ahead of Indonesia (64%), the US (50%), China (24%) and Russia (7%).
- On the other hand, more Australians (82%) considered Russia to be a threat or major threat, ahead of China (66%), the US (42%), Indonesia (20%) and New Zealand (1%).
- Despite Pauline Hanson’s vocal support for Donald Trump, just 36% of One Nation voters consider the US to be a close friend. 23% consider the US a threat or major threat.
- An earlier poll found more Australians consider US President Donald Trump a greater threat to world peace than Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping.
YouGov conducted a national poll of 1100 voters on behalf of The Australia Institute between 6 and 12 October 2026, using an online survey polling methodology. Full details are provided in the methodology statement. The poll is compliant with the Australian Polling Council’s requirements.
*This question is based on a survey run by the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono, for the Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples report: https://www.asianz.org.nz/new-zealanders-perceptions-of-asia-2026
