Polling across 5 federal electorates reveals a majority of voters support a ban on new gas and coal projects, and very few support unlimited carbon offsets to expand fossil fuels.

uComms were commissioned on behalf of the Australia Institute to poll in the seats of Mackellar, Goldstein, Sydney, Bennelong and Moreton between 9-14 of March 2023. Polling briefs and sample sizes attached.

Key Findings:

Commonwealth Government gas and coal project approvals

• Majority of Mackellar voters (60%) support stopping new coal and gas projects. Of those, 33% support phasing down production from existing fossil fuel projects, while 27% support allowing existing fossil fuel projects to continue operating.
• Majority of Goldstein voters (54%) support stopping new coal and gas projects. Of those, 27% support phasing down production from existing fossil fuel projects; while 27% support allowing existing fossil fuel projects to continue operating.
• Majority of Sydney voters (65%) support stopping new coal and gas projects. Of those, 40% support phasing down production from existing fossil fuel projects, while 25% support allowing existing fossil fuel projects to continue operating.
• Majority of Bennelong voters (53%) support stopping new coal and gas projects. Of those, 25% support phasing down production from existing fossil fuel projects, while 28% support allowing existing fossil fuel projects to continue operating.
• Majority of Moreton voters (51%) support stopping new coal and gas projects. Of those, 26% support phasing down production from existing fossil fuel projects, while 25% support allowing existing fossil fuel projects to continue operating.

Directly reducing emissions vs buying carbon offsets

• Just 7% of Mackellar voters believe polluting projects should be allowed to buy carbon offsets to account for all their emissions;
• Just 12% of Goldstein voters believe polluting projects should be allowed to buy carbon offsets to account for all their emissions;
• Just 9% of Sydney voters believe polluting projects should be allowed to buy carbon offsets to account for all their emissions;
• Just 9% of Bennelong voters believe polluting projects should be allowed to buy carbon offsets to account for all their emissions;
• Just 11% of Moreton voters believe polluting projects should be allowed to buy carbon offsets to account for all their emissions.

2 Candidate Preferred

• Mackellar: Sophie Scamps 51%, Liberal 49%
• Goldstein: Zoe Daniel 52%, Liberal 48%
• Sydney: Minister Tanya Plibersek 67%, Green 33%
• Bennelong: Jerome Laxale 55%, Liberal 45%
• Moreton: Graham Perrett 55%, Liberal 45%

“The science shows that if we are to tackle climate change, we need to stop new gas & coal. Our research shows that the public understand this, and it’s time for our parliament to follow suit,” said Dr Richard Denniss, executive director of the Australia Institute.

“With the cost-of-living skyrocketing, Australians are dealing with the high-cost consequences of relying on gas and coal power. It is clear the government needs to help Australia decarbonise and plan the shift to renewables.

“Our research shows that most carbon offsets are nothing more than hot air. Polluting industries should be incentivised to decarbonise, not simply hide behind offsets.”