Via The Guardian:
Most Australians support the creation of a new national security ministry, including a slim majority of Labor voters according to the latest Guardian Essential poll.
The poll, conducted between July 20 and 24, found 56% approved of the new national security ministry, which amalgamates the immigration department with security agencies and the Australian federal police under the immigration minister, Peter Dutton.
A total of 18% disapproved of the move and 26% did not give a preference.
While Liberal/National voters were most likely to approve (75%) of Malcolm Turnbull’s decision last week, a slim majority of Labor voters (51%) also approved of Dutton’s super ministry, compared with 26% of Labor voters who disapproved and 22% who were unsure.
As to the effectiveness of the super ministry, 45% thought it would strengthen national security while 28% of voters thought it would make no difference and 19% did not know. Only 8% thought the move would weaken national security.
Asked whether they were concerned that Dutton would have control over the all security services, 45% said they were concerned and 35% were not concerned. Greens supporters were most concerned (69%) followed by Labor supporters (57%).
The poll, based on 1,798 respondents, found the Coalition continues to trail Labor in two party preferred terms, 47% to 53%. On primary support, the Liberal party is up 2% on the previous week to 38%, the National party remains on 3% and Labor has come back by 1% to 37%.
Nick Xenophon is up 1% to 4% and the Greens remain steady at 10% with One Nation on 7%. Independents and others have slipped 1% to 5%.
We’re a weird mob.
