Media Release
October 17, 2008
Australian Attitudes Towards Fiji: 2008 Lowy Institute Poll
A recent poll by the Lowy Institute underlines the strong relationship between Australia and its neighbours in the Pacific, Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Duncan Kerr SC, said today.
In the 2008 Lowy Institute Poll: Australia and the World, Australians were asked how they felt about a particular country on a scale of 0 (very cold) to 100 (very warm). The score for Fiji was 67, behind only the UK at 77 and France at 69. In addition, Papua New Guinea received a score of 60, just behind the United States and Japan, both at 64.
“I am particularly delighted that Australians have shown they are able to distinguish between the people of Fiji and its military-based regime,” Mr Kerr said.
“This level of Australian warmth towards the people of Fiji suggests that as soon as democracy and normal government-to-government relations are restored, the trade and tourism benefits are likely to be substantial.
“The Australian Government continues to work closely with its Pacific neighbours in support of the restoration of democracy in Fiji. Restoring democracy is in the best interests of the Fijian people and the Fiji economy.”
Mr Kerr said he was also pleased with the high level of Australians’ warmth towards PNG.
“The Rudd Government is committed to further improving relations and understanding with our nearest neighbour and we are currently negotiating a Pacific Partnership for Development that seeks to meet mutual goals and improve living standards for the people of PNG,” he said.
“This poll confirms there is an enormous amount of goodwill on which we can build.”
The 2008 Lowy Institute Poll was released on 29 September 2008. One thousand Australians were surveyed in the annual poll which has a three per cent margin of error (similar to major polls such as Newspoll and Gallup).
Media inquiries: Mr Kerr's office - 02 6277 4991 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555
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