Australian Election Study (AES) 2016

Social issues

Since 1979, Australians’ attitudes towards a range of social issues have become more liberal. In 2016, AES data
reveal majority support for marriage equality, Constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians, legalised abortion
and the decriminalisation of medical-assisted euthanasia. Support for the reintroduction of the death penalty for
murder and the continued criminalisation of smoking marijuana are in long-term decline.

Fact sheet
Where attitudes have been measured in previous Australian Election Studies (and the predecessor Australian National Political Attitudes
Study), the data show a broad trend towards more support for liberal social policies.

“Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree or strongly disagree with the following statement? The smoking of marijuana should NOT be a criminal
offence; The death penalty should be reintroduced for murder” (percentage who ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’); “Which one of these statements comes
closest to how you feel about abortion in Australia?” (percentage who respond “women should be able to readily obtain abortion”)

More information:

Dr Jill Sheppard
Lecturer
ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods & School of Politics and International Relations
The Australian National University
Acton ACT 2601

Tel 02 6125 7898 or 0407 052 927

jill.sheppard@anu.edu.au

The Australian National University | Canberra ACT 2601 Australia | CRICOS Provider No. 00120C