Australians hungry for leadership on reducing pollution

The first poll on pollution and climate change since Julia Gillard took over as PM shows that both major parties have an opportunity to gain support from voters still waiting for concrete action on pollution and climate change.

The survey, part of Auspoll’s national omnibus of 1500 voters, found that:

When asked which party leader “do you trust most to deliver on the issues of pollution and climate change?” 43 per cent of voters responded “no difference”
Fifty-eight per cent of soft voters (uncertain about their vote) see “no difference” between Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott, when asked who they trust more to deliver on pollution and climate change.
Forty-five per cent of soft voters say they would be more likely to vote Labor if the new Prime Minister Julia Gillard was to commit to negotiating and delivering a pollution reduction scheme within the next twelve months.

“The new Prime Minister needs a new policy that reduces pollution, to restore trust and gain support on climate change,” Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Don Henry said.

“Australians want action not words. To be credible, both major parties need to ensure Australia’s pollution will be lower in 2013 than in 2010.

“The Government estimates that under its current policies Australia’s pollution levels will rise over the next three years by an equivalent to putting five million extra cars on the road.

“The imminent election provides all parties an opportunity to put their climate plans on the table and show Australians that they are genuine about cutting pollution.

“What we need is an immediate price on pollution, a strong boost to clean renewable energy and help for households and businesses to be highly energy efficient,” Mr Henry said.