New Australia Institute Tasmania polling in critical Tasmanian seats shows strong support for key integrity and accountability measures. The polling in Liberal and Labor marginal seats in Tasmania shows overwhelming support for federal anti-corruption watchdog with teeth, and truth in political advertising laws for Australia.

Over 800 people were polled in each of the seats of Lyons (ALP held) and Bass (Liberal held) on the evening of the 13th December 2021.

Key Findings:

• 2PP: Seat of Bass (Liberal held) – Liberal 52.4%, Labor 47.6%; Seat of Lyons (Labor held) – Liberal 47.2%, Labor 52.8%
• Truth in political advertising laws –
  • 85.5% of Bass voters support truth in political advertising laws while just 6.4% oppose
  • 84.4% of Lyons voters support truth in political advertising laws while just 6.7% oppose
• Commonwealth Integrity Commission –
  • 89.2% of Bass voters support setting up a Commonwealth Integrity Commission, 6.6% oppose;
  • 89.9% of Lyons voters support setting up a Commonwealth Integrity Commission, 5.7% oppose;
• CIC with Public Hearings –
  • 78.5% of Bass voters agree a Commonwealth Integrity Commission should have the power to hold public hearings, 9.9% disagree;
  • 76.8% of Lyons voters agree a Commonwealth Integrity Commission should have the power to hold public hearings, 8.4% disagree;
• 76.3% of Bass voters say they are more likely to vote for Bass MP Bridget Archer, after her decision to cross the floor to bring on a debate about a Federal Integrity Commission. 

“Increasing integrity and accountability measures has never been more important. This polling research shows the issues are resonating with voters from all sides of politics,” said Eloise Carr, director of the Australia Institute Tasmania.

“Tasmania will be key to the 2022 election, and our research shows voters want more action from their elected representatives.

“It is in politicians’ own interest to legislate key accountability reforms to help restore public confidence in our democracy.

“Australia has laws against misleading and deceptive conduct in trade and commerce, but not in politics. It is reasonable for Tasmanians to expect this level of protection when it comes to our political debate, if not higher.”