The Conversation decided that our readers would decide the most pressing issues facing our nation when the 2022 federal election was called. This decision was made three weeks ago.
We reached out to you via social media, our newsletter, and The Conversation website asking for your opinion on what would impact your vote during the campaign. We now have the results.
A staggering 10,000 people took part in our #SetTheAgenda poll. We are grateful to you, if you were one of those people, for sharing your views with our poll.
Number one on the agenda
Our readers overwhelmingly voted climate change as the number one issue. It was actually voted on by more than 60% of readers as the most important issue in your life.
Respondents to the question “What do you want the candidates talking about when they are competing for votes?” also highlighted climate change, renewable energy, and emissions reduction.
Results
Respondents could pick up to three topics that are close to their hearts. After climate change (62.3%) the next most frequent answers were: the environment (28.5%), cost of living (19.9%), misinformation (19.3%), housing (14%).
The top ten most important concerns were aged care and health, mental health, education, and COVID-19. The top ten also included topics on gender equity (7.6%), First Nations representation (7.3%), and other issues.
It was also fascinating to see that more than 10% responded to the question on what candidates should talk about ICAC or integrity or corruption. Nearly 10% didn’t know who their vote would be for. The majority (59.6%), of respondents were women.
We appreciate your comments.
We were overwhelmed at the depth of thought and passion displayed by the responses to our question, What do you want the candidates talking about as the race for votes continues?
Here are some of the things that you said:
Federal government integrity by designing and implementing a federal ICAC. Reducing political donations and restoring democracy. Moving towards a renewable economy that has clear policies and commitments to ensure long-term investment and behavioural changes from all Australians. The importance of equality in a healthy, kind society.
A discussion about how they will approach these issues, but with a focus of First Nations voices.
Meaningful climate action with adjustment policies for workers most affected. Uluru Statement from The Heart, First Nations Voice in Constitution. We should be working for peace and not for war.
How will they help voters, and not big business?
How to reduce housing prices and improve housing quality. How to ensure wage growth so that millennials and Gen Z don’t get left behind.
POLICY! POLICY! POLICY!! POLICY!
Policies for elderly care and assistance for small businesses
What now?
We will be using the 10,000 responses to our #SetTheAgenda Poll to help shape and inform our election coverage in the weeks ahead.
One reader suggested that candidates should talk about “what they will do to combat climate change, how they will do it, and when they will do it.”
We published this article in response to the reader who expressed interest in climate policies of our major parties.
Michelle Grattan, The Conversations Chief Politics Correspondent, offers readers another way to get questions answered, discussed, and analysed in the lead up to the 2022 elections. Our MelbourneSean Kelly, journalist and author will be on the stage. Amanda Dunn, The Conversations Politics and Society Editor will host the event. Michelle will have me on stage with her at our Sydney event.
The 2022 election campaign has been marked for its lack of policy ideas, genuine debate, and a dearth of policy ideas. We will, regardless of whether or not the candidates decide to address these important questions.
We will continue to provide evidence-based coverage and expert analyses of the election to you in a way that is relevant to your agenda.
