Security and defence

Foreign influence in Australian politics

Since 2017, there has been a lively public debate about the threat of foreign interference in Australia’s political processes, with revelations of connections between wealthy Chinese donors and Australian politicians. In 2018, Australians’ concerns appeared to be focused on foreign influence generally, rather than the threat posed by China specifically. When asked about influence from both China and the United States in Australia’s political processes, only marginally more Australians (63%) expressed concern about China than those concerned about the influence of the United States (58%). After a spike in concern about foreign interference in 2019, coinciding with a federal election year in Australia, 42% now say ‘foreign interference in Australian politics’ is a critical threat, a seven-point drop from 2019.

Security and defence
Foreign influence in Australian politics

Question

Are you personally concerned or not concerned about the influence of each of the following countries on Australia’s political processes?

This question was asked in 2018.

China

United States

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