BIC Media Release

More than a third of Australians would be more likely to vote for a party with policies to address traffic congestion at the next Federal Election, according to polling conducted by Auspoll and released today. 

“The polling shows voters want to see policies which address transport and living costs and this will play a role in deciding the voting preference of a significant number of them at the next federal election,” said Michael Apps, Executive Director of the Bus Industry Confederation. 

Apps said an electoral analyses conducted by the BIC using data and maps developed by Griffith University clearly demonstrated that parties who could provide solutions to congestion would receive an electoral boost.

“Our analysis for every capital city showed 33 Federal seats held by a 6% or less and nine seats that changed hands at the 2010 Federal Election are in areas where increasing fuel prices threaten the ability of homeowners to meet their mortgage repayments. 

“We are yet to see a fuel price and transport concerns identified as election issues at a federal level, though public transport played a significant part in the Victorian and NSW state elections, but with fuel prices expected to continue rising the next Federal Election might be decided by who has the best policies to reduce congestion and reliance on cars.” said Apps. 

82 per cent of respondents to the poll supported an increase in Federal Government funding for public transport and 87 per cent of respondents supported Federal Government investment in public transport to address the issue of traffic congestion in major cities. 

Graham Currie, Professor of Public Transport at Monash University said his research demonstrated a strong connection between rising fuel prices and demand for public transport. 

“Transport costs and the impact they have on household budgets tend to be felt hardest in areas of our cities and on the fringe of our major cities where public transport services are less available.” 

“There needs to be a coordinated planning and investment approach to this problem lead by the Government through its National Urban Policy and agreed on by all Federal parties to ensure good outcomes are achieved regardless of who is in Government,” said Currie. 

Contacts 

Michael Apps, Executive Director, Bus Industry Confederation, 0418 487 930 

Professor Graham Currie, Monash University, 0414 852 699 

Background Information 

The full polling report from Auspoll is available on request by calling Isuru Neelagama on 0451 005 661. An FAQ for journalists including maps of seats where voters are most affected by increases in fuel prices is available by calling Isuru Neelagama on 0451 005 661.