Australian foreign policy

Important issues facing Australia

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
Important issues facing Australia

Question

Please say whether you personally think each of the following is a very important issue, a somewhat important issue, or not an important issue facing Australia at the moment:

This question was asked in 2016.

0%
25%
50%
75%
100%

Education

Health

Domestic violence

The Economy

Terrorism and national security

Dysfunction in Australian politics

Refugees and asylum seekers

Climate change

Immigration

China's rise

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