YOUR SURVEY RESULTS: SHAPING THE NEXT 3 YEARS

By Lawrence De Pellegrin, Australian Greens Acting Engagement Manager 

“Climate action, rapid decarbonisation, and support for communities in transition will be foundational for us.” - Anna (ACT)

“Stop the waste of $368 BILLION dollars on AUKUS submarines. Instead put the money to use fighting climate change, [the] housing shortage and enough cheap green renewal power.” - David (NSW)

“We need to lower housing costs and make ownership attainable.” - Bethany (QLD)

Here’s a taste of the priorities you shared in this year’s national supporter survey, which you want the Greens to be focusing on in this new parliament.

Over 9,000 supporters like Anna, David and Bethany completed our survey this year, sharing valuable feedback for reviewing our organising strategy, building a more inclusive and resilient party, and campaigning to win.

At the federal election earlier this year, over 1.8 million people voted Green (more than ever before!), delivering us the sole balance of power in the Senate. But we also saw how tough the contest can be  – losing three Lower House seats and facing far-right groups like Advance Australia, who spent  millions on baseless attack ads against us.

We designed this survey to reflect on the successes and challenges of this moment. We want to adapt, learn and grow stronger for what’s ahead.

Here’s an exclusive insight into some more of the results from our survey that showcase your ideas, values and aspirations:

TOPLINE RESULTS

We asked “Where do you think the Greens can make the biggest impact in parliament this term?” The top answers were:

1. Climate action and environmental protection
2. Political integrity and removing corporate influence in politics
3. Housing affordability and renters’ rights
4. Expanding Medicare for dental and mental health
5. Cost of living relief and economic fairness

Key takeaway

The climate and environment crisis remains a critical motivator for many of our supporters, driving your passion and involvement with our movement. Your responses are a clear sign that you want us to keep up the pressure on Labor to stop opening new coal and gas mines, while using our balance of power to also push for better outcomes on integrity, tax reform and the cost of living.

We asked “What kind of work in parliament do you think has the biggest impact?” The top answers in order of priority were:

1. Using our numbers in parliament to stop harmful laws
2. Building cross-party pressure on the government to improve its legislation or be more transparent
3. Improving government bills through amendments, when the government is willing to do so
4. Leading inquiries and using motions and questions to ensure transparency
5. Using parliament to raise key issues and drive debate

Key takeaway

You want us to take a clear and unapologetic approach to this parliament. We’ll be firm but constructive with Labor, working for outcomes that improve peoples’ lives and protect the planet. As part of this, you want us to exercise our power to stop bad laws, but also to work in good faith through the parliamentary process to secure meaningful wins.

We asked “Which of the following motivates you most to get involved with a campaign or cause?” The top answers in order of priority were:

1. A personal or emotional connection to the issue
2. Confidence that my support will make a difference
3. The urgency or timing of the issue

Key takeaway

Real change starts with conversations. As Larissa has said, “the strongest connections come from the heart and a sense of community.” Your responses tell us that our campaigns need to focus on sparking these conversations; we need to equip our organisers with the training, resources and care to make that possible. You also want to be kept up-to-date on important moments as they’re happening, and be connected with opportunities where you can make a real impact on the issues that matter.

We asked “Which issues do you think are most persuasive when talking to people who don’t usually vote Green?” The top answers in order of priority were:

1. Cost of living relief and economic fairness
2. Housing affordability and renters’ rights
3. Climate action and environmental protection
4. Political integrity and independence from corporate donors
5. Expanding Medicare for dental and mental health care

Key takeaway

There is a deep acknowledgement of the economic struggle that millions in our country are facing at the moment – from housing insecurity to soaring healthcare costs. To be impactful and meet people where they’re at right now, we must continue to be a strong advocate for issues of economic justice. You also believe that continuing to hold the government to account for their woeful record on transparency and climate is impactful. You have our word that we will continue to fight for better outcomes for our community across all of these areas.

We asked “What messages do you think are most effective in countering fear-based ads from far-right groups like Advance Australia?” The top answers in order of priority were:

1. Clear facts that debunk misinformation
2. Calling out who funds these ads and their political agendas
3. Positive, hopeful messaging about a better future
4. Messages that remind people of what we’re fighting for
5. Humour and satire to defuse fear and panic

Key takeaway

You know as well as us that there is a growing tide of misinformation in the world at the moment. Your responses to this question demonstrate a desire to combat the lies of groups like Advance with facts and transparency. There is a clear sentiment amongst your responses that you want us to be a clear, positive alternative – to rise above the dirty political games and stick to the key issues like climate, housing and the cost of living.

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On behalf of our Greens team, I want to thank you for being so generous in sharing your insights with us.

Unlike the major parties, whose agendas are driven by the big corporate donors who fund their campaigns, the Greens are powered by you. It’s direct feedback like this that will shape the direction our movement takes over the next 3 years – so we couldn’t do this without you.

Thank you for all that you do.

If you have a spare moment, I’d love to also take this opportunity to ask if you can double your impact by joining us as a member or making a once-off donation.

By doing so, you ensure we have the resources to make your feedback a reality – preparing and strengthening our movement for the challenges ahead.

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