Lowy Institute Poll 2009: Australia and the World - Public Opinion and Foreign Policy

The Lowy Institute Poll surveys are designed to capture and track any long-term changes in Australian public opinions on a broad range of foreign policy issues. This is the fifth in the series and repeats many of the questions asked in earlier polls (ADA No 01084, 01114, 01126 and 01134). New questions this year cover the priority given to action on climate change, public attitudes towards relations with the US and China, foreign investment, asylum seekers, how to deal with Iran and perceptions about nuclear threats. Variables include feelings toward other countries; opinions on Australian Foreign policy including the UN Security Council seat, nuclear disarmament, asylum seekers, Australia's influence in the world, US influence and foreign policy goals; trust in regional powers and attitudes to China as a financial and military power; international security including possible threats to Australia, importance of the US alliance, military involvement in Afghanistan and Iran; and global warming. Respondents were also asked about their sources of international news. Background variables include age group, gender, country of birth and parents' country of birth, language spoken at home, income and highest level of education.