Waning support for renewables amid voter scepticism over climate targets

Only two-in-five voters are confident that Australia will meet its 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction targets, as support for climate action and renewables continues to slide.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Only two in five voters are confident Australia will meet its 2030 and 2050 emissions-reduction targets, as public support for ­climate ­action and renewables continues to slide.

An SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation poll of 1208 voters across every state and territory reveals a rise in support for new gas and coal-fired power plants, with more Australians supporting nuclear than opposed.

The poll, conducted between April 23 and 26, shows 78 per cent of Australians who are struggling to pay their gas and electricity bills fear electricity prices will rise over the next 12 to 24 months.

It also highlights a plunge in support for Labor federal and state governments, with 31 per cent of voters rating the Albanese government’s performance as good. That is lower than the 32 per cent recorded following the voice referendum in October.

The Mood of the Nation survey reveals support levels for Roger Cook’s West Australian government fell from 57 to 45 per cent. Support for the Queensland and NSW governments’ performance dropped to 32 and 39 per cent respectively.

As the Albanese government moves to accelerate the shift to renewables and clean energy, only 40 per cent of voters are confident that Labor’s 43 per cent emissions reduction by 2030 target would be met. On net zero by 2050, 37 per cent are confident the target will be achieved.

Support for nuclear energy, a key plank of Peter Dutton’s energy election policy, rose to 40 per cent, with 36 per cent opposed. While support for new gas and coal-fired power plants lifted to 36 and 33 per cent, backing for renewables remained strong with 75 per cent endorsing solar farms, down from 79 per cent.

A majority of voters endorse Anthony Albanese’s Future Made in Australia Act, with two-thirds backing the plan to boost government investment in local manufacturing and renewable energy and only 12 per cent opposed. Support is strongest among Labor and Greens supporters, and those aged over 50.

SEC Newgate partner David Stolper said next Tuesday’s budget “offers an opportunity for a (government) reset”.

“There is broad in-principle support for the government’s Future Made In Australia Act, and the amended stage three tax cuts on July 1 are also broadly supported and will provide timely relief on the cost-of-living front,” Mr Stolper said.

The survey showed crime and healthcare leapfrogging climate change as leading unprompted voter concerns and priorities. The poll cited “softening support for climate action and renewables”.

“Most Australians still feel positive about the transition, but support is steadily slipping, and only around two in five are confident that the 2030 and 2050 emission targets will be met,” the key findings said.

“There has also been a rise in support for new gas and coal fired power plants (albeit off a very low base) with 40 per cent also supporting nuclear versus 36 per cent who oppose it. Underpinning these trends is growing unease about the prospect for electricity prices.”