Voters in Sturt say increasing aid more important than corporate tax cuts

28 June 2016

MEDIA RELEASE

Voters in Sturt say increasing aid more important than corporate tax cuts

A new poll has shown a very close race in the Sturt electorate with the Liberal Party’s Christopher Pyne on 48 per cent, Nick Xenophon Team candidate Matthew Wright on 21 per cent and Labor’s Matt Loader on 18 per cent.

The poll by Community Engagement surveyed 876 voters between the 21st and the 23rd of June 2016 with a margin of error of 3.3 per cent and a confidence interval of 95 per cent.

45 per cent of Sturt voters agree that a modest increase to Australian aid is more important than a corporate tax cut, with 20 per cent “strongly agreeing” with that statement. Meanwhile, 43 per cent disagree that an increase to aid is more important than a corporate tax cut, with 9 per cent “strongly disagreeing.”

The findings indicate that in Sturt, 60 per cent of people think Australia should be doing more to end global poverty, while 55 per cent think the government should increase aid funding to 70 cents per every $100. Meanwhile, 50 per cent of Liberal voters think Australia should be doing more to end global poverty.

Additionally, the poll found increasing Australian aid could be a deciding election factor, with 15 per cent of unsure voters in Sturt saying the party or candidate positions on aid will be “highly influential” in terms of their vote, with 30 per cent saying it will be “somewhat influential”.

“The Australian Labor Party, Nick Xenophon Team and the Australian Greens have all made election promises to increase aid. While many other countries are increasing their aid budgets to help collectively address global challenges, our government has cut aid by $11.3 billion. We’re calling on the Liberal Party to announce, before the election, that they will increase aid funding and do more to be part of solving global poverty and creating a fairer world for all,” said Tony Milne, Director of the Campaign for Australian Aid. 

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Full polling results can be found here: Campaign for Australian Aid Sturt Poll Results

If you’d like to arrange an interview or photo opportunity with Mr Milne, please contact Sarah Cannata on 0407 536 133.

About Campaign for Australian Aid

The Campaign for Australian Aid is a joint initiative of the Make Poverty History and Micah Australia coalitions, for all Australians who believe we can and should do more as a nation to end extreme poverty around the world. It represents over 65 aid and development organisations, church, business and community groups. Authorised by Tony Milne, 1/4 Solwood Ln, Blackburn VIC.