Polling: Government popularity slumps amidst secrecy concerns

New research release today by The Australia Institute shows that a majority of Tasmanians have concerns with secrecy and corruption in Tasmania and want the Government to take action.

The Australia Institute poll of 800 Tasmanians between 25th and 26th of November also showed a dip in the Government’s popularity and a rise in support for the Labor Party, while the Greens remain relatively steady.

Key Findings:

  • A majority of Tasmanians (66%) agree that reform in Tasmania is needed to tackle perceived or actual corruption, 22% disagree.
  • Almost seven in ten Tasmanians (69%) of Tasmanians want the Government to undertake political donations reform before the next election as a priority, 15% disagree.
  • 67% of Tasmanians want the Government to publicly release detailed information on why RTI applications were refused, 19% opposed.

“The State Government has done a good job keeping Tasmania safe during COVID but this research shows that despite the good performance, the community wants to know what decisions have been made, by who, and why,” said Leanne Minshull, Director of the Australia Institute, Tasmania

The research also shows that despite the state having to deal with a COVID health and economic recovery, an overwhelming majority want the Government to prioritise donations reform.

“The window for the Government to delay donations reform due to COVID priorities has closed,” said Ms Minshull.

“The poll was taken during a week of high community concern regarding Government secrecy and corruption, and shows just how quickly voting intentions can shift. The poll is a quick bounce back for the ALP who, in the August EMRS poll had plummeted to 24%. However, Labor’s vote is still down around the same as their 2018 state election vote.”

/Public Release. View in full here.