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Descriptions of Leaders

17 Oct 2011

Q. Regardless of how you vote, what words would you use to describe the positions taken by Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott on the issue of asylum seekers, including the recent attempt at legislating the deal with Malaysia?

Julia Gillard Tony Abbott Difference
Just playing politics 46% 47% -1
Stubborn 26% 20% +6
Unethical 24% 14% +10
Too soft 21% 7% +14
Populist 13% 14% -1
Cruel 13% 9% +4
Responsible 11% 16% -5
Fair 10% 15% -5
Too hard 10% 6% +4
Balanced 7% 11% -4
Principled 6% 11% -5
Visionary 6% 5% +1

Nearly half the respondents believe that both Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott have been “just playing politics” over the issue of asylum seekers.

The main differences between the leaders positions on asylum seekers were that Julia Gillard was more likely to be considered “too soft” (21% to 7%) and “unethical” (24% to 14%). Julia Gillard was also a little more likely to be considered “stubborn” (26% to 20%).

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