In 2026, 29% of Australians said they were strongly against acquiring nuclear weapons.

Although two-thirds of Australians (68%) support the country’s acquisition of conventionally armed but nuclear-powered submarines, only four in ten (39%) say they are ‘in favour’ of Australia acquiring nuclear weapons in the future. This represents a three-point increase since the last time Australians were asked this question in the 2022 Lowy Institute Poll. The proportion of respondents (58%) who say they are ‘against’ Australia acquiring nuclear weapons has fallen five points since 2022, which indicates a softening in Australians’ opposition to this technology.