New Polling: Majority of voters want compassion, not cruelty, for refugees

New national polling commissioned by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) and conducted by Redbridge sends a clear message to political leaders ahead of the upcoming federal election: voters want fairness and compassion for refugees and people seeking asylum.

The findings show that a majority of voters believe that Australia has a responsibility to accept refugees and people seeking asylum, and that refugees who have arrived in Australia should be treated fairly, with over 50% supporting work and study rights for those awaiting the outcome of their refugee determination application.

An overwhelming majority of voters (67%) believe that people failed by the flawed Fast Track process should be given permanent protection or the right to reapply. This is a bipartisan view – among Coalition voters, the majority (61%), agree that those previously rejected under the old assessment system should be reassessed or granted permanent visas.

Voters do not want to send people seeking asylum back to dangerous situations, or to pay other countries to take people seeking asylum currently in Australia. This is in direct contrast to the news yesterday that people will be sent to Nauru and the three brutal refugee and migration bills passed late last year, with Labor and Coalition support.

Other key findings include:

• 69% of Labor voters and 80% of Greens voters believe Australia has a responsibility to accept refugees and people seeking asylum
• Voters prioritise fairness and social connection, with bipartisan support for giving people the right to work (58%) and study (55%) while waiting for their refugee application to be processed
• Support for other punitive measures like confiscating mobile phones from people in immigration detention, conducting more invasive searches also remains below 50%

The research concludes that political parties that focus heavily on immigration or refugee policies at the expense of addressing voters’ more immediate concerns – particularly cost of living, healthcare, and housing affordability – risk being punished at the ballot box, with only 1% of voters identifying refugee issues as their top election priority.

Jana Favero, ASRC Deputy CEO, says the results reflect Australians’ deep sense of fairness and compassion: 

“Yesterday’s news that the Albanese Government will start deporting people from our community to Nauru is an example of how out of touch some politicians are – especially in the lead up to elections.

“People have a big heart, and they want politicians to reflect their values. This polling shows that the current toxic debate weaponising refugee policy and attacking multicultural communities is misreading the nation’s pulse. It’s time for our leaders to embrace policies grounded in humanity, not cruelty.’’

Kos Samaras, Director at Redbridge Group, warns political leaders that ignoring this sentiment could come at a cost:

“Our research shows that voters want compassion. They don’t want their government punishing marginalised people. This is a clear message to both major parties – voters are watching, and they expect a fair and humane approach to refugees.”

As the federal election approaches, the ASRC urges political leaders to listen to the public and ensure that Australia’s policies align with its values of fairness, safety and compassion.

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