Themes

Defence and security

103 questions match this theme. View the archive for more.

Defence spending −1 from 2025

In 2026, 50% said Australia should increase defence spending.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2026
2025
Acquiring nuclear-powered submarines +1 from 2025

In 2026, 68% of Australians said they were in favour of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
Australia’s response to the war in Ukraine −3 from 2025

In 2026, 70% say they would support providing military aid to Ukraine.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
Acquiring nuclear weapons −10 from 2022

In 2026, 29% of Australians said they were strongly against acquiring nuclear weapons.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2026
2022
Australia’s response to a Chinese invasion of Taiwan −1 from 2023

In 2026, 60% of Australians support deploying the Royal Australian Navy, alongside the United States, to help prevent China from imposing a blockade around Taiwan.
Theme Relations in the Indo-Pacific | Asked in
2026
2023
China as a military threat −7 from 2025

In 2026, 62% said it was likely that China will become a military threat to Australia in the next 20 years.
Theme Relations in the Indo-Pacific | Asked in
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022

and 9 more
China: Australian policy settings −6 from 2025

In 2026, 54% say Australia should be working with allies to deter China’s use of military force.
Theme Relations in the Indo-Pacific | Asked in
2026
2025
China: economic partner or security threat +11 from 2025

In 2026, 61% said China was more of an economic partner than a security threat to Australia.
Theme Relations in the Indo-Pacific | Asked in
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022

and 5 more
Defending allies New in 2026

In 2026, 79% say Australia should go to the defence of Papua New Guinea if it were attacked by another country.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2026
Feelings of safety −4 from 2025

In 2026, 47% of Australians said they felt safe when thinking about world events.
Theme Safety and threats | Asked in
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022

and 11 more
Foreign military based in Australia −2 from 2023

In 2026, 55% of Australians were in favour of the United States basing military forces in Australia.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2026
2023
2022
2013
2011
Threats to Australia’s vital interests −3 from 2025

In 2026, 62% saw cyberattacks from other countries as a critical threat to Australia’s vital interests in the next ten years.
Theme Safety and threats | Asked in
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022

and 9 more
United States’ defence of Australia Stable from 2025

In 2026, 63% say the United States would come to Australia’s defence if Australia were attacked.
Theme Relations in the Indo-Pacific | Asked in
2026
2025
US alliance: importance to Australia’s security −7 from 2025

In 2026, 73% say Australia’s alliance relationship with the United States was important to its security.
Theme Relations in the Indo-Pacific | Asked in
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022

and 17 more

Charts from previous years

Willingness to defend Australia

In 2025, 52% said yes, they would be willing to fight to defend Australia.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2025
Labor government report card

In 2024, respondents gave an average rating of 6.6 for maintaining a strong alliance with the United States.
Theme Australian government performance | Asked in
2024
2023
Preference for closer security relations

In 2024, 45% would choose Japan if Australia were to establish closer security relations with another country.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2024
US alliance: effect

In 2024, 75% agree that Australia’s alliance with the United States makes it more likely Australia will be drawn into a war in Asia that would not be in Australia’s interests.
Theme United States | Asked in
2024
2023
2022
2021
2019

and 2 more
AUKUS

In 2023, 49% said more safe when asked about Australia.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2023
2022
Budget priorities

In 2023, 85% of Australians would increase spending for health if they were making up the budget for the federal government.
Theme Australian government performance | Asked in
2023
2022
2019
Defence strategy

In 2023, 40% said to keep Australia safe we should invest more in military capabilities that protect Australia close to home.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2023
Nuclear-powered submarines and regional stability

In 2023, 32% of Australians said make no difference.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2023
Nuclear-powered submarines: cost

In 2023, 47% of Australians said no.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2023
Potential Chinese military base in the Pacific

In 2023, 45% of Australians were somewhat concerned about about China potentially opening a military base in a Pacific Islands country.
Theme China | Asked in
2023
2022
Potential military conflict between China and the United States

In 2023, 56% believe Australia should remain neutral in the event of a military conflict between China and United States.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2023
2022
2021
The Quad

In 2023, 51% said more safe when asked about Australia.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2023
2022
Foreign influence in Australian politics

In 2022, 86% were concerned about the influence of China on Australia’s political processes.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2022
2020
2018
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

In 2022, 69% of Australians were very concerned about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2022
Use of Australian military forces

In 2022, 79% were in favour of using Australian military forces to stop a government from committing genocide and killing large numbers of its own people.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2022
2019
2017
2016
2005
Coalition government report card

In 2021, respondents gave an average rating of 7.6 for managing Australia’s response to Covid-19.
Theme Australian government performance | Asked in
2021
2015
Australia’s intelligence agencies

In 2020, 69% agreed that Australia’s intelligence agencies are effective at protecting Australia’s national security.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2020
Australian government policies towards China

In 2020, 94% would support an Australian government policy that involves working to find other markets for Australia to reduce our economic dependence on China.
Theme China | Asked in
2020
Military action under ANZUS

In 2020, 52% said somewhat agree when asked about despite the alliance, Australia should only support US military action if it is authorised by the United Nations.
Theme United States | Asked in
2020
2013
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue

In 2020, 88% supported Australia forming a four-way partnership with India, Japan and the United States to promote peace and security.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2020
Attitudes to China

In 2019, 79% disagree China’s infrastructure investment projects across Asia are part of China’s plan for regional domination.
Theme China | Asked in
2019
2016
2015
2011
2010

and 1 more
Attitudes to Indonesia

In 2019, 62% agreed Indonesia is an important economy to Australia.
Theme Indonesia | Asked in
2019
2018
2015
2013
Foreign technology in Australia

In 2019, 44% said protecting Australians from foreign state intrusion should be the first priority for the Australian government.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2019
Joint military action under President Trump

In 2018, 48% of Australians said less likely.
Theme United States | Asked in
2018
2016
Reasons to view China as a threat

In 2018, 77% said agree when asked about China and the United States are likely to come into conflict in future and Australia will end up being drawn into the conflict through its alliance with the United States.
Theme China | Asked in
2018
2011
Terrorism as a threat to Australia’s interests

In 2018, 62% said strongly agree when asked about terrorism is a threat to global security as well as Australia’s.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2018
Freedom of navigation in the South China Sea

In 2017, 68% of Australians said in favour.
Theme China | Asked in
2017
2016
Air strikes against Islamic State

In 2016, 59% of Australians said in favour.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2016
Important issues facing Australia

In 2016, 88% of Australians said a very important issue when asked about education.
Theme Australian foreign policy | Asked in
2016
Military action against Islamic State in Iraq

In 2016, 68% of Australians said in favour.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2016
New submarines

In 2016, 70% said the submarines should be built mainly in Australia, even if this will cost us more.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2016
Australia in the G20 and UNSC

In 2015, 62% of Australians said worth the effort and cost.
Theme Australian foreign policy | Asked in
2015
Conflict between China and Japan

In 2015, 83% said Australia should remain neutral.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2015
Data retention legislation and privacy

In 2015, 63% of Australians said justified.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2015
Global risk priorities for Australia

In 2015, 69% said a high risk to Australia’s security in the next ten years when asked about the emergence of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2015
Government responses to the execution of Australians overseas

In 2015, 73% of Australians said agree when asked about make private diplomatic protests.
Theme Australian foreign policy | Asked in
2015
Policy priorities with Indonesia

In 2014, 31% of Australians said asylum seekers and people smuggling.
Theme Indonesia | Asked in
2014
Spying practices

In 2014, 87% of Australians said not acceptable when asked about New Zealand.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2014
Air strikes on Iran’s nuclear program

In 2013, 27% of Australians said strongly against.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2013
2012
Australia after the UN Security Council

In 2013, 53% of Australians said a little more influence.
Theme Australian foreign policy | Asked in
2013
Australia in the UN Security Council

In 2013, 59% said good for Australia.
Theme Australian foreign policy | Asked in
2013
Costs and benefits of war in Afghanistan

In 2013, 61% of Australians said not worth fighting.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2013
Government spending on defence

In 2013, 47% of Australians said the government is spending about the right amount on defence.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2013
Government’s response to terrorism

In 2013, 68% of Australians said the government has struck about the right balance between protecting the rights of citizens and fighting terrorism.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2013
The world’s leading superpower

In 2013, 61% of Australians said China will eventually replace the United States as the worlds leading superpower.
Theme Relations in the Indo-Pacific | Asked in
2013
US military base in Australia

In 2013, 35% of Australians said somewhat in favour when asked about US.
Theme United States | Asked in
2013
2011
Views on Wikileaks

In 2013, 58% of Australians said more of a good thing.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2013
2011
China as the leading power in Asia

In 2012, 79% of Australians said already is the leading power.
Theme China | Asked in
2012
Comfort with China leading Asia

In 2012, 41% of Australians said somewhat comfortable.
Theme China | Asked in
2012
2009
2008
Continued military involvement in Afghanistan

In 2012, 65% of Australians said no.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008

and 1 more
Costs and benefits of war in Iraq

In 2012, 39% of Australians said strongly disagree.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2012
Exporting uranium to India

In 2012, 39% of Australians said strongly against.
Theme Economy and trade | Asked in
2012
Important security partners for Australia

In 2012, 74% of Australians said the United States / USA.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2012
Other important security partners for Australia

In 2012, 33% of Australians said the United Kingdom / England / Britain.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2012
Regional views on US soldiers in Darwin

In 2012, 37% of Australians said strongly in favour when asked about Indonesia.
Theme United States | Asked in
2012
Special forces remaining in Afghanistan

In 2012, 34% of Australians said somewhat in favour.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2012
US soldiers based in Darwin

In 2012, 37% of Australians said somewhat in favour.
Theme United States | Asked in
2012
Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan

In 2011, 72% said agree when asked about if Australia and its allies withdrew from Afghanistan Afghan women might have their rights seriously violated by an extremist government.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2011
China’s support in war on the Korean peninsula

In 2011, 56% of Australians said in favour.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2011
Goals of Australian foreign policy

In 2011, 81% said very important when asked about protecting the jobs of Australian workers.
Theme Australian foreign policy | Asked in
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007

and 2 more
UN-authorised military intervention

In 2011, 82% of Australians said in favour.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2011
Views of Indonesia

In 2011, respondents gave the statement “Indonesia is essentially controlled by the military” an average rating of 7.0.
Theme Indonesia | Asked in
2011
2006
War on the Korean peninsula

In 2011, 52% of Australians said in favour.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2011
Confidence of aims in Afghanistan

In 2010, 38% of Australians said not confident.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2010
2009
2008
Indonesia as a threat

In 2010, 37% of Australians said no change.
Theme Indonesia | Asked in
2010
Nuclear weapons in Australia

In 2010, 63% of Australians said strongly against.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2010
Threats to Australia’s security

In 2010, 35% of Australians said Iran’s nuclear program.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2010
Trajectory of Indonesia’s democracy

In 2010, 41% of Australians said more open.
Theme Indonesia | Asked in
2010
US power in the coming decade

In 2010, 48% of Australians said about the same when asked about the United States as a military power.
Theme United States | Asked in
2010
Australia’s bid for a UNSC seat

In 2009, 51% of Australians said strongly agree.
Theme Australian foreign policy | Asked in
2009
Changing importance of ANZUS

In 2009, 60% of Australians said about the same.
Theme United States | Asked in
2009
Global nuclear disarmament

In 2009, 55% of Australians said strongly agree.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2009
Policy responses to Iran’s nuclear program

In 2009, 85% of Australians said in favour of when asked about diplomatic negotiations.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2009
US and UN influence on Australian foreign policy

In 2009, 50% of Australians said too much when asked about the United States.
Theme Australian foreign policy | Asked in
2009
2008
2006
2005
Goals of military involvement in Afghanistan

In 2008, 38% of Australians said to support the United States under the US Alliance.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2008
2007
Uranium exports and nuclear waste

In 2008, 32% said strongly disagree when asked about take responsibility for the nuclear waste from the uranium it exports by storing it in Australia.
Theme Climate change and energy | Asked in
2008
Uranium exports to signatories of the Non-proliferation Treaty

In 2008, 53% of Australians said strongly agree when asked about only export uranium to countries which have signed the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.
Theme Climate change and energy | Asked in
2008
Continued military involvement in Iraq

In 2007, 57% of Australians said no.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2007
2005
Goals of military involvement in Iraq

In 2007, 44% said to support the United States under the US alliance.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2007
Iran and uranium

In 2007, 62% of Australians said nuclear weapons.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2007
2006
Outlook for Australia’s international security

In 2007, 48% of Australians said optimistic.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2007
2005
Responses to Iran’s nuclear program

In 2007, 62% of Australians said use economic sanctions as well as diplomatic efforts to stop.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2007
Worry about threats

In 2007, 55% of Australians said very worried when asked about climate change.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2007
2005
Concern about Iran’s nuclear weapons

In 2006, 55% of Australians said very much.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2006
Outcomes of military involvement in Iraq

In 2006, 91% of Australians said agree when asked about the war has worsened America’s relations with the Muslim world.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2006
Australia’s involvement in Iraq

In 2005, 54% of Australians said oppose.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2005
Democracy in the Middle East

In 2005, 52% of Australians said yes.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2005
Extraterritorial strikes against terrorists

In 2005, 66% of Australians said yes.
Theme Defence and security | Asked in
2005
War over Taiwan

In 2005, 72% of Australians said disagree.
Theme Relations in the Indo-Pacific | Asked in
2005