The survey of 1,014 Australians was conducted by Dynata between 10 and 16 July 2024.

Key Findings:

• Three in five (60%) Australians oppose public funding of political parties and candidates, including a majority of voters for all political parties oppose public funding.
• Seven in ten (71%) Australians oppose increasing public funding for political parties and candidates. Only one in six (18%) Australians support increasing it.
• Earlier polling research finds that Australians would be more likely to use an alternative public funding system, “democracy vouchers” (39% are likely), than to donate under the status quo (16% are likely).

“With most Australians opposed to the current public funding model, it is the responsibility of Parliament to design a system that empowers Australians and makes it possible for a diversity of voices to contest elections,” said Bill Browne, director of The Australia Institute’s Democracy and Accountability Program.

“There is nothing wrong in principle with public funding for political parties and candidates, but it must be accessible to all parties and candidates and encourage public engagement – not act as a substitute for it.

“Previous Australia Institute polling research highlights the fact more Australians would participate in alternative public funding models, like democracy vouchers, than would make a political donation through the current system.”