According to a recent Roy Morgan poll support for the ALP to 56.5% (up 2%) on Australia Day weekend, well ahead of the L-NP 43.5% (down 2%) on a two-party preferred basis. If a Federal Election were held now the ALP would win easily according to this week’s Morgan Poll on voting intention conducted with an Australia-wide cross-section of 2,057 Australian electors aged 18.
“The ALP 56.5% (up 2%) has increased its lead over the L-NP 43.5% (down 2%) on a two-party preferred basis on the Australia Day long weekend. Over the weekend Opposition Leader Bill Shorten took the chance to raise the possibility of Australia becoming a Republic more than fifteen years after Australians voted against becoming a Republic in a November 1999 Referendum.” Gary Morgan commented.
Mr Morgan pointed out that Primary support for the ALP rose to 39.5% (up 1%) now ahead of the L-NP 37.5% (down 1%). Support for the other parties shows The Greens at 12% (up 2.5%), Palmer United Party (PUP) 3% (up 1%) while Independents/others were down 3.5% to 8%. Morgan went on to point out community attitudes shows support for the Royal Family has increased since 1999 adding that a special telephone Morgan Poll conducted in November 2012 showed that a majority of Australians (52%) support Australia retaining the Monarchy compared to only 42% that say Australia should become a Republic with an elected President.
“However, despite this strong support for the Monarchy, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has received a great deal of criticism over the past few days for his decision to award Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, a knighthood as part of the Australia Day honours. Abbott has even attracted criticism from senior Ministers in his Government including Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce.” Mr Morgan commented.