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9. Public Opinion
The Prime Minister and more recently Dr Ziggy Switkowski claim that there has been a big shift in public opinion about nuclear power in Australia. However, the reality is that there very little movement in people's opinion, unless the question is framed in the context of climate change.
Recent opinion polls taken in Australia reveal people remain implacably opposed to the end result of nuclear power: radioactive waste:
Roy Morgan – June 7/8, 2006. Source://www.roymorgan.com/...
Are you concerned about the disposal of nuclear waste or not?”
| Yes, concerned | 87% |
| No, not concerned | 12% |
| Can’t say | 1% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
On support for nuclear power, The Australian has recently claimed that support has increased. But the article containing this claim did not compare like with like.
Newspoll – March 2-4, 2007. Source: www.newspoll.com.au/...
Are you personally in favour or against the development of a nuclear power industry in Australia, as one of a range of energy solutions to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
| Total in favour | 45% |
| Total against | 40% |
| Uncommitted | 15% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
These results were compared to a Newspoll taken at the end of December 2006. But the question did not refer to greenhouse gas emissions.
Newspoll – December 15-17, 2006. Source: www.newspoll.com.au/...
Currently, while there is a nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights in Sydney used for medical and scientific purposes, there are no nuclear power stations in Australia. Are you personally in favour or against nuclear power stations being built in Australia?
| Total in favour | 35% |
| Total against | 50% |
| Uncommitted | 15% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
It's valid to compare the Dec 2006 Newspoll to one taken by Newspoll in May 2006 because the same question was asked:
Newspoll – May 26-28, 2006. Source: www.newspoll.com.au/...
Currently, while there is a nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights in Sydney used for medical and scientific purposes, there are no nuclear power stations in Australia. Are you personally in favour or against nuclear power stations being built in Australia? 1
| Total in favour | 38% |
| Total against | 51% |
| Uncommitted | 11% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
This comparision shows that support for nuclear power had fallen by 3 percentage points between May and December 2006.
Interestingly Roy Morgan research asked a question in a June 2006 poll which was very similar to the question asked by Newspoll in March 2007:
Roy Morgan – June 7/8, 2006. Source: www.roymorgan.com/...
Do you approve or disapprove of nuclear power plants replacing coal, oil, and gas power plants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? 1
| Approve | 49% |
| Disapprove | 37% |
| Can’t say | 14% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
This poll shows that support for nuclear power had fallen by 4 percentage points between June 206 and March 2007 (although one has to keep in mind the different methodology.)
Even more revealing about people's attitudes to nuclear power is the second question asked in the March 2-4 2007 Newspoll:
Newspoll – March 2-4, 2007. Source: www.newspoll.com.au/...
Would you personally be in favour or against a nuclear power station being built in your local area?
| Total in favour | 25% |
| Total against | 66% |
| Uncommitted | 9% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
Finally, on the issue of uranium minng, Roy Morgan found that public opinion is still opposed:
Roy Morgan - July 26/27, 2006. Source: http://www.roymorgan.com...
In your opinion, should there be more than three uranium mines operating in Australia or not?
| Yes, should | 38% |
| No, should not | 51% |
| Can’t say | 11% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
1. The Roy Morgan July 26-27 2006 poll and the Newspoll May 26-28 2006 poll coincidentally have the same results.
