Key Liberal and National party electorates back a switch to 100% renewables by 2030 and a global moratorium on new coal mines, according to new ReachTEL polling commissioned by The Australia Institute. 

A moratorium on new coal mines received between 50-57% support with opposition to the proposition ranging between 23-33% by voters in the seats of Dickson, New England, Warringa and Page. 

Australian becoming a 100% renewable energy powered nation by 2030 has significant support. Between 72-77% of voters in the conservative electorates are supportive, with just 14% to 18% opposed. 

Full results in attachement below.

“A moratorium on new mines is now a mainstream idea. Unlike many of our politicians it now seems that voters instinctively know that building massive new coal mines does not make economic or environmental sense,” Ben Oquist, Executive Director of The Australia Institute said. 

“Similarly with renewable energy, the electorate is ahead of its politicians in knowing that Australia can be powered by 100% renewable energy over the next 15 years.” 

“Liberal and National voters polled expressed a position contradictory to Coalition policy, with support for a moratorium on new coal mines actually higher amongst National voters than the average support for constituents in the seat of New England. 

“Renewable energy is popular across the political spectrum. Part of Tony Abbott’s undoing was that he placed himself at odds with the electorate on this issue. These results show politicians of any hue who undermine support for a 100% renewable future risk an electoral backlash. 

“China recently announced a 3 year moratorium on new coal mines. Malcolm Turnbull can and should show the same commitment to deliver on commitments made at the Paris climate meeting in December. 

“Building large new coal mines in a declining market is a recipe for economic disaster. Switching to 100% renewable energy is going to lead to cheaper, safer electricity and a clean energy jobs boom,” Oquist said.