In February 2021, the Australia Institute surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,434 Australians. Respondents were asked about the connection between politicians and Canberra. Results show that Australians think Canberra should remain the capital, the Prime Minister should live in the Lodge and politicians should spend more time in Canberra.

• When asked if the capital of Australia should be somewhere other than Canberra, two in three Australians (65%) disagree. Only 17% agree.
• Almost half of Australians (47%) agree that the Prime Minister should live in the Lodge. Only 19% disagree.
• Half of Australians (54%) agree that politicians should spend more time in Canberra. Only 21% disagree.
• Seven in 10 (69%) agree that Parliament should sit for more days each year.