The Australia Institute surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,003 Australians about the circumstances under which the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) should be allowed to hold public hearings. The results show that most Australians support the NACC being permitted to hold public hearings under more circumstances than in the currently tabled legislation.

Key Results:

• More than four in five Australians (84%) say that the National Anti-Corruption Commission should be allowed to hold public hearings.
• Fewer than one in five Australians say the Commission’s ability to hold public hearings should be limited to when a public hearing would be in the public interest and in exceptional circumstances only (17%), as prescribed.
• Two in three Australians (67%) say the Commission should be allowed to hold public hearings under more circumstances than the tabled legislation, either when in the public interest (32%) or in unlimited circumstances (35%).
• 3% of Australians say that public hearings should not be permitted at all.
• Majority support for public hearings without the “exceptional circumstances” restriction was consistent across all voting intentions.

“The research shows fewer than one in five Australians support the ‘exceptional circumstances’ restriction on public hearings for the National Anti-Corruption Commission,” said Bill Browne, Democracy & Accountability Program Director at independent think tank the Australia Institute.

“The Parliament could amend the draft laws to protect the public’s right to know and deliver a Commission with all the powers it needs to uncover potential corruption.

“An amendment to remove the “exceptional circumstances” restriction would be broadly supported, including across all voting intentions, according to the quantitative research.”

The Australia Institute is a member of the Australian Polling Council & the research is compliant with the Australian Polling Council Quality Mark standards. The long methodology disclosure statement is attached.