Australian foreign policy

Government attention paid to public opinion

Australians are divided on many of the big questions about our role in the world. Half the country wants Australia to play a more influential role in the world, the other half would prefer Australia turned inwards. The majority of Australians consider democratic values to be more important than economic interests, when prosecuting foreign policy. But most Australians would also prioritise national interests over global agreements, when a clash occurred between the two in a global forum. As great power competition continues to escalate, Australians are divided on our relationship with the world's superpowers. Older Australians say the relationship with the United States is most important, whereas young Australians choose China as a more important partner.

Australian foreign policy
Government attention paid to public opinion

Question

Do you personally think the government pays too much, too little or the right amount of attention to the opinions of people such as yourself in making foreign policy?

This question was asked in 2010.

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