Aussie Voters Will Reject Politicians Who Use LGBTQIA+ Issues As Election Tactic
A new poll shows most Australian voters will reject politicians who try to use LGBTQIA+ issues as political tools in the upcoming federal election. According to Gay Sydney News, the study gives clear evidence that attempts to target the community will not win votes.
What Australians Really Think About LGBTQIA+ Issues
The poll, conducted by Redbridge for advocacy group Equality Australia in February, asked 1013 Australians about their views. The results are clear: 75 per cent of participants said politicians should not politicise LGBTQIA+ community.
Support was even stronger regarding trans people, with 86 per cent saying politicians should leave trans issues out of political games.
“Australians aren’t interested in seeing trans people be used as a distraction in an election campaign. It’s been tried before in Australia and is clearly a losing strategy,” said Teddy Cook, the chair of the TransEquality Council.
Cook added, “Talking about gender and obsessing about a vulnerable one per cent of the population won’t help pay the bills or find a home.”
Strong Community Support Despite Low Priority
The study found broad support for the LGBTQIA+ community across Australia. A striking 89 per cent of people said LGBTQIA+ individuals deserve to live with dignity and respect.
For trans Australians, 91 per cent agreed they deserve the same rights and protections as other citizens.
Anna Brown, Equality Australia Chief Executive, said: “This polling proves that Australian values of equality and a fair go immediately come to the fore when it comes to issues affecting the vulnerable. It also proves that attacking the marginalised is not only morally wrong but politically foolish.”
What Voters Actually Care About
While the federal election must happen in May, LGBTQIA+ rights ranked low on voter priorities. Only three per cent of respondents listed these issues as important to their vote.
Instead, Australians care most about:
- Cost of living
- Healthcare
- Housing affordability
Tony Barry, director of Redbridge, explained: “These are the salient issues that are underpinning their vote considerations. The major parties cannot allow themselves to go off-message with self-indulgent culture wars because that’s the dog that isn’t barking.”
Discrimination Still Exists Despite Progress
At DNA, we know progress has been made, but is discrimination still a problem? The study shows 64 per cent of Australians recognise LGBTQIA+ people still face discrimination.
This view crossed political lines. One Liberal voter said: “Everyone should be equal and there should not be any discrimination at all.”
The research found more complex views on trans healthcare and sports participation. Still, 78 per cent agreed health services should treat and support trans patients.
Australians Reject “Woke” Label
Most voters in the study dismissed the idea that Australia is “too woke,” with many expressing frustration about this term.
A Liberal voter in the study called the word a tactic to “shut down proper debate on real issues.” Meanwhile, a participant from the LGBTQIA+ community described being woke as simply “refers to being socially aware.”
The poll confirms what many Australians already know: voters want politicians to focus on issues that affect daily life rather than trying to score points at the expense of LGBTQIA+ community.
