Policy concerns for the next election.

[Rorschach]

From the latest Fairfax Ipsos poll...

UNIVERSITY FEES

Almost two-thirds of Australians oppose the Abbott government's move to allow universities to set their own fees amid concern over "$100,000 courses" that would put tertiary education out of the reach of some students.

The first Fairfax Ipsos poll found support for university deregulation, championed by Education Minister Christopher Pyne, is at just 28 per cent.

The finding is likely to stiffen the resolve of Clive Palmer who has so far refused to support the government's education reforms through the Senate.

Labor and the Greens oppose fee deregulation and the government said last week it was prepared to delay the start date by a year in a bid to convince Mr Palmer and his three Senate cross-benchers.

The task is a big one, with the Palmer United Party leader calling for a return to free university courses rather than higher fees.

Sixty-four per cent of respondents oppose deregulation. Among university graduates, opposition is even greater at 72 per cent.

But opposition is greatest among TAFE or university students, with just 21 per cent in favour and 76 per cent against.

The government has just two weeks to pass its reforms through the Senate if the new system is to begin in 2016 but Mr Pyne said on Friday that he was willing to delay the start date to get the reforms through.

That means school leavers will be forced to apply for courses without clarity on what the total cost of their degree or diploma will be.

Deregulation of the sector is supposed to fund an expansion of government subsidies for diploma courses and bring student loans for private and TAFE students into line with the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS).

GST

Raising the GST remains deeply unpopular with voters, according to the Fairfax Ipsos poll.

And while Tony Abbott may want a "mature debate" about reforming Australia's federation and tax system, just 41 per cent of voters would support an increase in the consumption tax even if their personal income tax was cut as well.

A decisive 52 per cent of voters oppose a rise in the GST even if it is coupled with income tax cuts.

Raising the rate of the GST is also more unpopular outside capital cities, in the National Party's political heartland, too.

In capital cities, 43 per cent of people surveyed would support a rise in the tax if in exchange for a cut in income tax with 49 per cent opposing it.

But in the bush, just 37 per cent of people support a rise and a whopping 56 per cent of those surveyed oppose such a move.

Mr Abbott, of course, has not yet outlined any plan to raise the rate of the GST – despite what federal Labor may suggest – and says the states must lead any push to do so.

But if the Prime Minister does want a fairer distribution of GST revenue for states such as Victoria, NSW and particularly WA – which get back less than they pay into the federal pot – without poorer states missing out than changes to the consumption tax appear inevitable.

Whether, with one eye on 2016, Mr Abbott is willing to risk the political consequences remains to be seen.

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE

Prime Minister Tony Abbott's signature $5.5 billion paid parental leave scheme enjoys more than two-thirds support from voters under 40, but is still unpopular with voters overall.

The Fairfax Ipsos poll has found 40 per cent of voters support the scheme and 54 per cent oppose it. But in the 18-24 age group, 69 per cent support the scheme and among people aged 25-39, it enjoys 64 per cent support. And of the 40 per cent of voters overall who support the scheme, 57 per cent believe it should be a high priority for the Abbott government.

But just 17 per cent of voters 55 support the scheme.

The scheme pays women 26 weeks' salary at their full wage, capped at $50,000, and is funded mostly by a 1.5 per cent tax on big business.

It is politically unpopular in the Coalition party room too, with five of Mr Abbott's own senators flagging they may vote against the scheme when it is presented to the Parliament. It is also opposed by Labor, the Senate cross bench, the Palmer United Party and even the Greens, though their scheme is almost identical.

The scheme is due to commence operating from July 1, 2015. With just two more sitting weeks due in the parliamentary year, the expectation among Coalition MPs is that the legislation to establish the scheme will be introduced in early 2015.

[mantra]

There are a lot of the government's policies people oppose, but I doubt it will make any difference. Abbott's approval ratings are up and it's obvious he will win the next election on preferences even with these unpalatable policies. There is no effective opposition and the media has gone weak at the knees. The secrecy surrounding Abbott and his crew means that no-one knows anything except he's doing well on the world stage.

Unless Labor can dig someone fantastic up in the next couple of years - Abbott will have a mandate for his second term.

We will have an increase in the GST in 2016. WA will be the hardest hit as they only get 37% of it back.

[Rorschach]

So what is "unpalatable" and why in your opinion mantra?

[Neferti]

Most people vote with their hip pocket and care less about Policies, unless it affects them, personally.

Isn't it a little premature to start talking about policies for the Federal Election in 2016?

Regardless, unless the Coalition does something unforgivable, the Liberal Member in my Electorate will obtain my vote and support. I do NOT vote for Tony Abbott. Nor do you unless you live in his Electorate.

[Rorschach]

Personally I've never met anyone or known anyone who just votes with their hip pocket.
It would be a truly sad state of affairs if it was the norm.

Early to discuss policy concerns? Nope.


Tax reform/GST etc will be at the next election if Tony sticks to his promise b4 the last election.
PPL is an issue that is ongoing and is likely to be an issue at the next election, either as an ongoing sore or a broken promise.
UNI Fees will be an issue if they deregulate.
These things are all on the agenda now.

As for Abbott I never mentioned him or voting for him, I guess you were referring to mantra... it's always personal with her.

[Neferti]

Personally I've never met anyone or known anyone who just votes with their hip pocket.
It would be a truly sad state of affairs if it was the norm.

They are either "swingers" who vote because of what it is in for them, or they are "rusted on" voters".

Early to discuss policy concerns? Nope.

NOBODY but people who feel the absolute NEED to argue POLITICS on a Forum start talking about the Next Election 2 years out. Last I looked, we can't vote the current lot out until some time in 2016. The World could END before then and we could all be D.E.A.D.

Tax reform/GST etc will be at the next election if Tony sticks to his promise b4 the last election.
PPL is an issue that is ongoing and is likely to be an issue at the next election, either as an ongoing sore or a broken promise.
UNI Fees will be an issue if they deregulate.
These things are all on the agenda now.

As for Abbott I never mentioned him or voting for him, I guess you were referring to mantra... it's always personal with her.

Probably. I don't take too much notice of what mantra says.

[Rorschach]

NOBODY but people who feel the absolute NEED to argue POLITICS on a Forum start talking about the Next Election 2 years out.

Don't look now Nef but we are on a politics forum and we are in the politics section of it.

[Neferti]

NOBODY but people who feel the absolute NEED to argue POLITICS on a Forum start talking about the Next Election 2 years out.

Don't look now Nef but we are on a politics forum and we are in the politics section of it.

SPECULATION ... i.e. arguing because arguing is amusing, to some tragics. Typical avoidance of FACTS.

I am quite happy with the current Administration ... both on this so-called Political Forum and with the actual Federal Governmernt (with Tony Abbott as leader). I will consider my vote in 2016 when I HAVE to make a decision about "politics" .........

Skippy (like Tony) will be here for the duration, regardless of what some Leftards think.

[Rorschach]

I have no idea what you are on about...
Only that you are avoiding the facts this topic is based on.
Perhaps you should come back in 2 years just before the next election... if you are not interested in politics. That is your point isn't it?

[IQS.RLOW]

I can only hope the next term of Tony Abbott has the effect of a mass lefty suicide where they off themselves in desperation.

Another term of Abbott will have them apoplectic.