Beyond the vote

Voting intention is only part of what the pollsters ask. This page gathers the rest of this term’s questions worth knowing, from Donald Trump and immigration to the budget, the Iran war and the Bondi attack, in ten topics. Where several pollsters asked the same thing, their answers sit side by side; every figure names its pollster and links to its source.

Immigration

How many migrants Australians want, where cuts should fall, and how they rate the government’s handling of the program.

In every poll, a majority want less immigration

In each pollster’s latest reading, 56–66% say immigration is too high or should be cut, and 4–15% want more. Resolve’s latest reading is 4 points higher than its first, in December 2025. SEC Newgate’s, YouGov’s and Essential’s latest readings are much the same as their first.

Resolve Political Monitor, Aug 2026: 57% want less
SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation, Sep 2026: 57% want less
YouGov for News24, Sep 2026: 66% want less
Newspoll, Sep 2026: 66% want less
Essential Report, Sep 2026: 56% want less

Would people still want immigration cut if housing and services kept pace?

70% still want cuts, 15% would not. Essential Report, Sep 2026

Is the government running immigration in a planned way?

26% planned, 54% unplanned. Resolve Political Monitor, Aug 2026

Do Australians feel positive or negative about immigration?

Essential, Sep 2026: 46% positive, 39% negative
Essential, Aug 2026: 46% positive, 39% negative (level)
Essential, Apr 2026: 41% positive, 45% negative (level)
Essential, Nov 2025: 42% positive, 42% negative (level)
Essential, Sep 2025: 41% positive, 41% negative (level)

Positive: 46%, up from 41% in September 2025.

Where should cuts to immigration fall?

Refugees and people admitted on humanitarian grounds: 27.9%
Family members of people already living in Australia: 20.5%
Skilled workers: 18.4%
International students: 18%
Working holidaymakers and seasonal or temporary workers: 15.2%

% choosing each as the first place to cut. Essential Report, Sep 2026

Which steps to control immigration do voters back?

Directing skilled worker visas towards industries with shortages, such as healthcare, construction and education: 74% support, 8% oppose
Forced deportation of people who have overstayed their visa: 70% support, 9% oppose
Greater scrutiny of people seeking protection or asylum visas: 68% support, 12% oppose
Making it harder for temporary migrants to move between different types of visas to extend their stay: 64% support, 14% oppose
Preventing most international students from bringing family members with them to Australia: 62% support, 15% oppose
Introducing a ballot (random selection) system for backpackers (working holiday visa holders) wanting to stay for a second or third year: 40% support, 23% oppose

Has multiculturalism been good for Australia?

37% good, and still is, 10% has not served us well. YouGov for News24, Jul 2026

Would Australia be better off as a ‘monocultural’ country?

33% yes, 39% no. Resolve Political Monitor, Jul 2026

Trump and the United States

How Australians see Donald Trump, the American alliance and AUKUS.

Every pollster finds Donald Trump deeply unpopular

In each pollster’s latest reading, 62–73% view him unfavourably or negatively and 14–28% favourably or positively. Freshwater’s latest reading is 11 points lower than its first, in October 2025; RedBridge’s is 8 points lower than its first, in January 2026. SEC Newgate’s latest is much the same as its first, in July 2025.

Freshwater Strategy, May 2026: net −47.1 (20% favourable, 67.1% unfavourable)
RedBridge/Accent, Oct 2026: net −59 (14% favourable, 73% unfavourable)
SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation, Sep 2026: net −53 (16% favourable, 69% unfavourable)
Essential Report, Jun 2026: net −34 (28% favourable, 62% unfavourable)

Do Australians support AUKUS?

Sep 2026: 55% support, 17% oppose
Jul 2026: 52% support, 19% oppose
May 2026: 53% support, 19% oppose
Nov 2025: 59% support, 17% oppose

Is the United States a reliable military ally?

25% yes, 28% no (level). DemosAU, Apr 2026

Should the government back Trump closely or keep its distance?

Apr 2026: 22% back him closely, 59% keep its distance
Jan 2025: 36% back him closely, 45% keep its distance
Nov 2024: 37% back him closely, 23% keep its distance

Does Australia need a prime minister like Donald Trump?

DemosAU, Jul 2026: 16% agree, 72% disagree
DemosAU, Apr 2026: 19% agree, 69% disagree
DemosAU, Apr 2026: 27% agree, 59% disagree

Is Trump making the world safer or less safe?

SEC Newgate, May 2026: 12% safer, 72% less safe
SEC Newgate, Feb 2026: 14% safer, 64% less safe

Less safe: 72%, up from 64% in February 2026.

Should national security lean on the US alliance or on other partners?

16% the US alliance, 71% other alliances. SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation, May 2026

How Australians see other countries

UK: 53% positive, 16% negative
European Nations: 47% positive, 14% negative
Ukraine: 41% positive, 20% negative
Indonesia: 31% positive, 20% negative
India: 24% positive, 29% negative (level)
USA: 29% positive, 40% negative
China: 24% positive, 39% negative
Palestine: 20% positive, 41% negative
Israel: 19% positive, 45% negative
Syria: 14% positive, 44% negative
Russia: 13% positive, 57% negative
Iran: 11% positive, 57% negative

One Nation and the Coalition

What draws voters to One Nation, what holds them back, and how Pauline Hanson’s agenda sits with everyone else.

Why One Nation appeals to its supporters

Rejection of other major parties and the desire for an alternative: 36%
Support for stronger border control / reduced immigration and alignment with One Nation’s immigration policies: 17%
Belief that One Nation is standing up for Australia’s best interests: 17%
General mentions of support for One Nation policies: 15%
Honesty and “saying it how it is”, having a common-sense approach: 14%
Upholding Australian identity, values and traditions: 11%
Understanding of everyday economic pressures (cost of living concerns, housing affordability and supply): 4%
Representation of “ordinary” Australians, seen as relatable or “one of us”: 4%

% of One Nation supporters giving each reason, in their own words. SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation, Feb 2026

What draws voters open to One Nation?

We need to cut immigration numbers and take control of Australia’s borders: 31.3%
The major parties are not listening to Australians; it is time to give someone else a go: 26.7%
The gap between rich and poor is too wide – One Nation stands up for ordinary Australians: 21.6%
We need to be free to say what we believe: 20.5%

% of voters open to One Nation choosing each as their main reason. Essential Report, Jun 2026

What gives voters pause about One Nation?

Pauline Hanson is a strong supporter and admirer of President Donald Trump: 21%
I would never vote for One Nation: 19%
Pauline Hanson has said Australia should support Donald Trump and enter the conflict in Iran: 18%
I don't have any hesitations about voting for One Nation: 15%
A One Nation minority government means economic uncertainty and risk: 7%
Pauline Hanson and One Nation have never delivered a budget: 6%
Unsure: 6%
A vote for One Nation is a wasted vote: 5%
Other: 3%

% of all voters choosing each as what makes them most hesitant. RedBridge/Accent, Apr 2026

Which messages move voters towards or away from One Nation?

One Nation stands up for ordinary Australians struggling with the cost of living: +27
One Nation will put Australia first: +26
Pauline Hanson and One Nation will reduce the level of immigration: +23
Pauline Hanson speaks her mind and says what other politicians won't: +23
Voting for One Nation sends a message to Labor and the Coalition that voters want change: +20
Hanson/One Nation share the values of ordinary Australians while the major parties only represent the elites: +18
The major parties aren't up to the job anymore, time to give One Nation a chance: +6
A vote for One Nation is a wasted vote, because they cannot form government: −18
Some of the people Pauline Hanson associates with have expressed extreme or controversial views: −26
If One Nation held the balance of power, it could create economic uncertainty and risk: −30
Pauline Hanson and One Nation have no experience governing or managing a federal budget: −37
Pauline Hanson is a strong supporter and admirer of Donald Trump: −38
Pauline Hanson has voted in parliament to cut penalty rates and weaken protections for workers: −38
Pauline Hanson has called for Australia to help Trump 'stamp out evil' by entering the conflict in Iran: −39

Net more willing to vote One Nation: the share more willing after hearing each statement, less the share less willing. RedBridge/Accent, Apr 2026

Is the rise of One Nation good or bad for Australia?

42% good, 41% bad (level). SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation, Jul 2026

Do voters approve of Pauline Hanson as leader?

52% approve, 34% disapprove. Essential Report, Apr 2026

Should renters and mortgage holders get a quarter of their super as pay, as One Nation proposes?

38% support, 39% oppose (level). SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation, Sep 2026

Seven contested ideas, put to voters

Immigration to Australia should be substantially reduced: 61% agree, 21% disagree
Australia should build nuclear power plants: 37% agree, 38% disagree (level)
Employers should have more flexibility to dismiss workers: 32% agree, 43% disagree
Australia should be a monocultural country rather than a multicultural country: 25% agree, 51% disagree
Early childhood educators should not need a degree to work in a childcare centre: 26% agree, 52% disagree
The ABC should become a subscription-based service in metropolitan areas, while remaining publicly funded in regional, rural and remote areas: 21% agree, 54% disagree
SBS should be abolished: 12% agree, 58% disagree

Housing, tax and the budget

Verdicts on the May 2026 budget, its capital gains tax and negative gearing changes, and the broken promises behind them.

How did voters judge the May 2026 budget?

Essential, May 2026 (Approve or disapprove of the budget?): 25% positive, 39% negative
DemosAU, May 2026 (Overall opinion of the budget): 23% positive, 43% negative
YouGov, May 2026 (Will your household be better or worse off?): 9% positive, 44% negative
SEC Newgate, May 2026 (Its impact on you and your family): 14% positive, 39% negative
Newspoll, May 2026 (Good or bad for the economy?): 22% positive, 47% negative
Newspoll, May 2026 (Will you be better or worse off?): 11% positive, 52% negative
Resolve, May 2026 (Good or bad for your household?): 24% positive, 35% negative

Negative verdicts lead in all seven polls.

Do voters back cutting the capital gains tax discount?

Resolve, Aug 2026 (Removing the 50% discount): 35% support, 21% oppose
SEC Newgate, Jul 2026 (The budget’s changes, described in full): 28% support, 37% oppose
DemosAU, Jun 2026 (Scrapping the 50% discount for indexation): 29% support, 33% oppose (level)
Resolve, Jun 2026 (Removing the 50% discount): 31% support, 31% oppose (level)
Essential, May 2026 (Winding it back for shares and investments): 32% support, 29% oppose (level)
DemosAU, May 2026 (Scrapping the 50% discount for indexation): 28% support, 29% oppose (level)
SEC Newgate, May 2026 (The budget’s changes, described in full): 33% support, 32% oppose (level)
Resolve, May 2026 (Removing the 50% discount): 36% support, 21% oppose

Support leads in two of the eight polls and opposition leads in one; five are level.

Do voters back limiting negative gearing?

Resolve, Aug 2026 (Restricting it to new homes): 35% support, 20% oppose
DemosAU, Jun 2026 (Ending it for existing homes bought from 12 May): 32% support, 31% oppose (level)
Resolve, Jun 2026 (Restricting it to new homes): 33% support, 26% oppose
Essential, May 2026 (Winding back negative gearing and the CGT discount for property): 32% support, 27% oppose
DemosAU, May 2026 (Ending it for existing homes bought from 12 May): 34% support, 29% oppose (level)
SEC Newgate, May 2026 (The budget’s changes, described in full): 37% support, 31% oppose (level)
Resolve, May 2026 (Restricting it): 35% support, 21% oppose

Support leads in four of the seven polls; three are level.

Do the budget’s broken promises make people less likely to vote Labor?

20% more likely, 41% less likely. Resolve Political Monitor, Sep 2026

Will the housing tax changes push rents up or down?

48% push rents up, 12% bring rents down. RedBridge/Accent, Aug 2026

What is more to blame for the housing shortage: immigration or investor tax breaks?

51% immigration, 29% investor tax breaks. DemosAU, Apr 2026

Should house prices fall?

Resolve, Sep 2026 (Support or oppose lower house prices?): 59% lower prices, 9% steady or higher prices
Newspoll, Aug 2026 (Prices staying the same or rising, or falling?): 32% lower prices, 62% steady or higher prices

Should people be able to use their super to buy a home?

54% support, 28% oppose. SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation, Sep 2026

Cost of living and the economy

Household finances, interest rates, and who voters blame for rising prices.

Who is to blame for the cost-of-living crunch?

Federal Labor: 46%
Global factors: 26%
The Reserve Bank: 4%

% naming each as primarily responsible. Resolve Political Monitor, Oct 2026

Was the latest rate rise mainly caused by the Middle East conflict, as the Treasurer says?

37% agree, 63% disagree. YouGov for News24, Oct 2026

Is your household better or worse off than three months ago?

YouGov, Jun 2026: 9% better off, 39% worse off
YouGov, May 2026: 7% better off, 47% worse off
YouGov, Mar 2026: 7% better off, 42% worse off

Worse off: 39%, much the same as the 42% in March 2026.

How should the government respond to inflation?

Lower government spending: 55%
Subsidise essentials such as energy and fuel: 51%
Cut income taxes: 31%
Reduce regulation and costs for business: 27%
One-off payments: 11%

% naming each as one of their top two priorities. Newspoll, Oct 2026

Skipped care because of the cost

Dentist: 34%
GP: 27%
Medical specialist: 27%
Allied health professional (e.g., physio): 27%

% who, in the past year, needed to see each but did not go because of the cost. Essential Report, Jul 2026

What have people put off because of the economy?

Buying a home: 54%
Big household items: 53%
Buying a vehicle: 51%
Retiring: 49%
Medical treatment: 39%
Having children: 30%
Getting married: 26%

% who have delayed each, of those for whom it applies. RedBridge/Accent, Nov 2025

Will the next generation have a better or worse life than their parents?

19% better, 62% worse. RedBridge/Accent, Jun 2026

Would you struggle to pay an unexpected bill of a few thousand dollars?

61% would struggle, 24% would not. Resolve Political Monitor, Nov 2025

War, fuel and security

The Iran war and the fuel crisis that followed, Gaza and the recognition of Palestine, and ties with China.

Did voters back the US strikes on Iran?

Newspoll, Mar 2026 (US military action against Iran): 23% approve, 72% disapprove
Essential, Mar 2026 (The US and Israel’s decision to strike Iran): 26% approve, 42% disapprove

Disapproval leads in both polls.

Should Australia send ships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open?

30% support, 63% oppose. Newspoll, Mar 2026

What role should Australia play in the Middle East war?

Working with international organisations to help with peace talks and prevent further escalation: 60% support, 11% oppose
Providing naval support to end Iran’s blockade of oil supplies through the Straits of Hormuz: 37% support, 31% oppose
Offering refuge to civilians who are displaced by the war.: 37% support, 31% oppose
Sending weapons and equipment to support third party nations impacted by Iranian counter-strikes on US bases such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE): 32% support, 35% oppose (level)
Sending Australian troops to support US-Israeli ground operations if requested: 21% support, 50% oppose

The biggest worry about the Iran war

Increase fuel prices and inflation: 33%
Major destabilisation in the region: 32%
Terror attacks in Australia: 21%
Disrupt travel plans: 5%
Not worried: 5%
Prefer not to say: 4%

% naming each as their biggest concern. YouGov for News24, Mar 2026

Who is responsible for the fuel crisis?

The US and Israel for initiating military strikes on Iran: 42%
The Australian Government for not planning ahead: 32%
Iran for closing the Strait of Hormuz in response to the military strikes from the US and Israel: 17%
Don’t know: 9%

% naming each as most responsible. Essential Report, Apr 2026

Should the government spend $20 billion on a 90-day fuel reserve?

63% support, 13% oppose. YouGov for News24, Apr 2026

Should Australia recognise a Palestinian state?

Essential, Sep 2025: 34% support, 30% oppose (level)
DemosAU, Jul 2025: 45% support, 23% oppose

Support leads in one of the two polls; one is level.

Should Australia strengthen, keep or reduce its economic ties with China?

21% strengthen, 18% reduce. SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation, Sep 2026

Bondi and social cohesion

Responses to the December 2025 Bondi terror attack, antisemitism and racism, and whether the country is pulling apart.

How well did the government respond to the Bondi attack?

Essential, Jan 2026 (Albanese’s handling of the issues since): 36% well, 56% badly
Resolve, Dec 2025 (The federal government’s response): 29% well, 46% badly

A poor verdict leads in both polls.

How did each leader respond to Bondi?

Anthony Albanese: 32% good, 56% poor
Sussan Ley: 53% good, 29% poor

Which measures after Bondi do voters back?

Banning public display of designated ‘terrorist’ symbols: 73% support, 11% oppose
Strengthen Australian gun laws: 63% support, 18% oppose
Strengthening police power to curb protests: 62% support, 17% oppose
Introduce new laws criminalising hate speech: 60% support, 18% oppose
To hold a Federal Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion: 56% support, 16% oppose

Should immigration screening be tougher on antisemitic or extremist views?

76% support, 7% oppose. Resolve Political Monitor, Dec 2025

Have racism and religious intolerance risen since the Gaza war began?

72% agree, 9% disagree. Resolve Political Monitor, Dec 2025

Who should hate speech laws protect?

Hate speech laws should extend to all religions and other groups like LGBTI and disability: 35%
Hate speech laws should apply to all religions: 32%
Hate speech laws are an unacceptable curb on free speech: 22%
Hate speech laws should only apply to radical Muslim preachers: 10%

% choosing each view. Essential Report, Jan 2026

Is Australia becoming more united or more divided?

12% more united, 53% more divided. Essential Report, Feb 2026

Climate and energy

Net zero, emissions targets, gas and the energy transition.

Do voters support net zero emissions by 2050?

44% support, 27% oppose. Essential Report, Oct 2025

Should Australia drill for more oil and gas, even if it undermines net zero?

57% yes, 21% no. YouGov for News24, Apr 2026

How fast should Australia move to renewable energy?

61% move to renewables, 29% slow or stop the shift. Essential Report, Apr 2026

Is the 2035 emissions target too ambitious?

39% too ambitious, 13% not ambitious enough. Essential Report, Sep 2025

Is climate change caused by people?

Essential, Jun 2026: 51% caused by people, 36% natural fluctuation
Essential, Nov 2025: 53% caused by people, 31% natural fluctuation

Caused by people: 51%, much the same as the 53% in November 2025.

Is Australia doing enough on climate change?

Essential, Jun 2026: 30% not doing enough, 21% doing too much
Essential, Nov 2025: 36% not doing enough, 20% doing too much

Not doing enough: 30%, down from 36% in November 2025.

Technology and society

The under-16 social media ban, AI and data centres, gambling ads, unions, abortion and other questions of how we live and work.

Do voters back the under-16 social media ban?

YouGov, Jan 2026: 69% support, 16% oppose
Essential, Dec 2025: 57% support, 22% oppose
Essential, Sep 2025: 63% support, 19% oppose

Support leads in all three polls.

Should social media companies be regulated more or less?

53% more, 8% less. Essential Report, May 2026

Does AI bring more opportunity or more risk?

22% more opportunity, 36% more risk. Essential Report, May 2026

Will AI be good or bad, for you and for society?

On you personally: 41% positive, 28% negative
On society: 30% positive, 49% negative

Would you support a data centre being built in your area?

28% support, 36% oppose. Essential Report, Jul 2026

What should the rules be for gambling ads?

A ban on all gambling ads, everywhere, at all times: 39%
Limits during live sport, and a ban online and on social media: 25%
Limits only during live sport broadcasts: 15%
No restrictions: 11%
Unsure: 9%

% choosing each. Essential Report, Sep 2026

Should abortion be legal?

71% legal, 28% illegal. Essential Report, Jun 2026

Would workers be better off if unions were stronger?

49% better off, 22% worse off. Essential Report, Aug 2026

Leaders, trust and democracy

How voters rate the government, the leaders and the institutions, and how much they think politics needs to change.

Has the Albanese government lived up to expectations?

34% met or exceeded them, 56% fallen short. Essential Report, May 2026

How much does the political system need to change?

It is fine as it is: 5%
It needs minor changes: 29%
It needs major changes: 44%
It needs to be burned down so we can start over: 15%
Not sure: 7%

% choosing each. RedBridge/Accent, Jan 2026

Is Australia stronger or weaker than a year ago?

15% stronger, 51% weaker. YouGov for News24, Jul 2026

Which institutions do Australians trust?

CSIRO: 54% trust, 12% distrust
Bureau of Meteorology: 58% trust, 18% distrust
Australian Electoral Commission: 55% trust, 16% distrust
ACCC: 48% trust, 18% distrust
Therapeutic Goods Administration: 41% trust, 13% distrust
The High Court: 45% trust, 23% distrust
Australian Broadcasting Commission: 42% trust, 25% distrust
Reserve Bank of Australia: 43% trust, 28% distrust
The Australian Senate: 30% trust, 29% distrust (level)
House of Representatives: 29% trust, 30% distrust (level)
Australian Energy Market Operator: 23% trust, 32% distrust
The criminal justice system: 32% trust, 41% distrust

How voters rate the political figures

Jacqui Lambie: 28% positive, 23% negative
Chris Minns: 27% positive, 22% negative
David Crisafulli: 24% positive, 19% negative
David Pocock: 17% positive, 15% negative (level)
Jane Hume: 20% positive, 19% negative (level)
Bridget McKenzie: 16% positive, 15% negative (level)
Peter Malinauskas: 21% positive, 21% negative (level)
Matthew Canavan: 20% positive, 22% negative (level)
Angus Taylor: 24% positive, 26% negative (level)
Andrew Hastie: 21% positive, 24% negative (level)
Zali Steggall: 15% positive, 18% negative
Pauline Hanson: 34% positive, 42% negative
Malcolm Turnbull: 27% positive, 35% negative
Penny Wong: 31% positive, 39% negative
Tony Abbott: 29% positive, 38% negative
Mark Butler: 18% positive, 27% negative
Kevin Rudd: 29% positive, 39% negative
Richard Marles: 17% positive, 29% negative
Barnaby Joyce: 27% positive, 40% negative
Tanya Plibersek: 20% positive, 33% negative
Larissa Waters: 20% positive, 33% negative
Jim Chalmers: 19% positive, 38% negative
Anthony Albanese: 25% positive, 47% negative
Scott Morrison: 23% positive, 45% negative

Does the Greens’ change of leader change people’s vote?

13% more likely, 17% less likely. Resolve Political Monitor, Oct 2026

Sources

Roy Morgan, YouGov, Newspoll, RedBridge/Accent, Resolve, Essential, DemosAU, Newspoll (pooled), Freshwater, Spectre Strategy, DemosAU (MRP), Fox & Hedgehog, YouGov (MRP), Wolf & Smith, EMRS (Tas), RedBridge/Accent (MRP), Roy Morgan (SMS), Agenda C Synesis, Roy Morgan (pooled). Field dates and sample sizes are listed per poll in the archive.

auspol tracker is an unofficial aggregator of published federal opinion polling. Best efforts are made to make the aggregate figures transparent, trustworthy, statistically sound, and informative, but they are, in the end, estimates only. Federal polling archives I’ve located are stored here for safekeeping and convenience.