Most voters in former Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s electorate want him to retire at the next election, according to new polling conducted by ReachTEL for The Australia Institute as part of research about tax and climate change issues.

“The polling indicates that the electorate is quickly moving on from the Tony Abbott era,” said Ben Oquist, Executive Director of The Australia Institute

“Tony Abbott’s pugilistic style is looking increasingly out of touch. These results show Abbott’s own electorate want a refresh from that old style of politics. 

“There’s no clearer example than in the area of climate change policy. Abbott’s vendetta against renewables played a bigger role in his downfall than is commonly understood.  He got himself offside with the vast majority of Australians – including those in his own electorate.

“Here, even in Liberal heartland electorate, there is a clear hunger to move on from coal and into the future of 100% renewable energy,” Mr. Oquist said.

The poll found more than 77 per cent of voters in Warringah support Australia transitioning to 100% renewables by 2030, including over 70 per cent of Liberal voters.

“This poll indicates the electorate is ahead of the rhetoric from all political parties when it comes to renewable energy,” Mr. Oquist said.

“The poll also shows increasing the GST remains unpopular even in a relative wealthy conservative electorate. Fewer than two in five support the increase, which would disproportionately cost the poor.”

ReachTEL conducted a survey of 743 residents across the federal electorate of Warringah during the evening of 17th December 2015, on behalf of The Australia Institute.