ABC’s Vote Compass reveals what we really want from our Government

There might be an impending Queensland election, but in reality, it affects us all, no matter what the state. The fight between Liberal and Labor has never been more neck and neck, as seen in recent state and bi-elections throughout the country. We aren’t sure who to trust, but we know what we want and what issues are of the most concern to us. One tool that can gauge exactly what we expect from our Government is ABC’s Vote Compass, most memorably used in 2013’s Federal Election.

The Vote Compass is back for the January 31 Queensland election, although the early results have shown that the issues that are important to Queenslanders, are applicable to all of us. Even on the Starts at 60 site, it is clear that many are not happy with the current Government (state and federal) and want to see a change.

It was initially used for those who weren’t sure who to vote for but wanted to align themselves with whichever party shared their views, but has now become a vital indicator of how the public are feeling about elections and the parties.

8390 respondents used the Queensland Election Vote Compass from January 12-13 and it showed that economy is the most important issue of concern (23 per cent), followed by the cost of living (15 per cent), asset sales (11 per cent), jobs (9 per cent), environment (9 per cent) and health care (8 per cent). Other important issues were education, law and order, poverty, bikie gangs, roads, immigration, public transport, taxes, drought relief, Indigenous issues and housing.

It was surprising to note that respondents whose results were more in line with the LNP were most likely to care about the economy about all else (47 per cent), whereas only 10 per cent of Labor supporters considered it the biggest issue in their minds.

It’s no doubt that these concerns and sentiments are echoed across the country, with 2013’s Vote Compass showing that the majority of the 1.2 million respondents believed the economy was important, as were asylum seekers. Even Victoria’s November 2014 state election Vote Compass showed that voters were feeling the same down south – their main concerns were tied across the economy, education and the cost of living.

Queensland ALP voters have shown that they are still reeling from Anna Bligh’s shock introduction of asset sales 6 years ago, which is believed to have led to her loss to Campbell Newman in 2012 – 18 per cent are highly concerned about asset sales, whereas 96 per cent of LNP supporters aren’t at all.

As we prepare to go the voting booth, it can come down to the wire when trying to align ourselves with a party. We ask questions – who can I trust? Who will make my life easier? But at the end of the day, we are voting in a party and not a person. Yes, we may say we hate a certain leader but we need to look at the larger picture.

It is clear that our State and Federal Governments need to hear our concerns and gain our trust during this dire time in Australian politics. This Queensland election may not affect you directly but if Labor wins, the aftermath will be felt from coast to coast.

Photo via ABC

Tell us, what do you think about the Vote Compass results? What is your biggest concern this election or in general? Tell us below.