social trends report has found.
The report found that a surprising amount of voters have serious
concerns about the stability of the new government and are in favour
of another election, even if it meant another campaign and more cost
to the taxpayer.
Adding to Julia Gillard's woes is the fact that many voters are deeply
uncomfortable about how she became Prime Minister.
The Ipsos Mackay Mind and Mood October report, which measures
Australian attitudes to a wide range of subjects through extensive
group surveys, said that the ousting of Kevin Rudd was still an issue
for voters.
The report is based on group discussions conducted in Sydney,
Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Bendigo and Townsville in September
2010.
Ipsos Mackay Chief researcher Rebecca Huntley said: "For those who
believed Gillard instigated the coup, she was viewed as disloyal and
power hungry.
"For those who believed she was merely a puppet of the ALP's faceless
men, they were disappointed she didn't show greater strength and
independence."
Many voters feel uneasy the new government did not win a majority.
"The new paradigm of politics was causing new anxieties for many. One
major concern voiced was that the situation was too precarious, with
even a minor event sending us back to the polls sooner rather than
later," the report said.
"As one voter put it, 'The sooner something gets sorted out in another
election the better. At least we will get something that is
definite'," Ms Huntley said.
"Another voter… felt insecure about a government 'elected by only half
the population. I know it costs money to go back to the polls but I
think we should do it,' she said."
Many of those surveyed seemed to feel Ms Gillard stood for nothing, or
very little other than holding onto power.
This is a dramatic shift in opinion from just six months before when
the Mind and Mood April survey found consumers held mainly positive
attitudes towards the then Deputy Prime Minister.
"In our April Mind & Mood, consumers seemed to hold great expectations
for Julia Gillard. They saw her claims to the top job as legitimate,"
Ms Huntley said.
A convincing win at the ballot might have changed the sense of unease
about how she became Prime Minister before the election, but Labor's
lacklustre result and the drawn out negotiations with the Independents
have left voters with political fatigue and an overwhelming desire for
politicians to "just get on with it".
"Certainly the drawn out reasoning of the Independents and Mr
Oakeshott's famous 17-minute speech had worn their patience thin," Ms
Huntley said.
The report said that once the decision on forming government was made,
consumers were quick to turn their attentions elsewhere.
The overwhelming mood amongst the participants when politics was
raised in discussion was anger, cynicism and frustration with the
two-party system.
"They have serious problems with the two-party system (specifically
the perceived lack of difference between the two major parties) and
the apparent inability of our political leaders to think and act
long-term for the benefit of the nation," the report said.
While the spectacular success of the Greens and their elevation to
centre stage was mentioned by many, the report found more wanted to
discuss the role played by the Independents.
"Despite the concerns about the sudden power of the Independents,
consumers recognised that if you were lucky enough to live in one of
their electorates, you were likely to be better looked after by
government at least until the next Federal Election."
According to Ms Huntley, the test for the Gillard Government is
whether it can disprove criticisms that it is weak and plagued by
infighting, and can drive it's own legislative agenda on broadband, a
carbon tax and asylum seekers.
"It all amounts to a somewhat tentative hold on power," she said.
"And yet the way she manages the job now, her proven capacity to
negotiate and communicate outcomes may well give her leadership the
solid foundations it needs."
Other key findings included:
- Despite political pessimism Australians are more confident about the
economy and their future prosperity.
- Increased sense of job security and a general feeling that the
rewards from employment were increasing
- Lingering anxiety about immigration, in particular Muslim immigration
- Fears about scarcity of resources, water in particular and the cost
of energy. Also concerned about the lack of forward planning by
governments in this area.
- Rising concerns about health and ageing, with an increased focus on
preventative health
- Increased awareness of damaging effects of alcohol
- Increased optimism about the economy did not alleviate the pressures
of modern life with many planning holiday escapes, parties or even
researching family history.
- Love affair with sport still strong but many are increasingly
concerned about sports players behaving badly e.g. Stephanie Rice, Ben
Cousins and an assortment of Football stars
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