Why conduct a public attitude survey on environment issues?

Several reasons. The Government needs advice about the community's knowledge of and attitudes to the environment to assist in policy development.

In particular, the Government needs to explore the views of the general community towards ESD and to test reactions to proposals contained in the Working Groups draft reports.

Additionally, the Government needs advice on the development of an effective and cohesive environmental information and education program.

The survey is being conducted by ANOP Research Services Pty Ltd, who see the proposed study as a pioneering one in the Australian public policy information process. The survey will be conducted in two phases, a qualitative phase to be followed by a quantitative survey.

The qualitative component was seen as necessary to define the range and level of understanding and community conception of ESD, it will also provide valuable information on the attitude forming process and the interlinkage of issues, e.g. energy use and urban planning.

This stage has been completed.

The quantitative phase, to be conducted through November, will measure community understanding and awareness of a variety of specific issues alld will also seek to establish the balance of comprehension and commitment to various issues, e.g. development versus conservation.

The sample size will be 2400 people involving a 35-40 minute personal interview. Survey subjects will be selected from urban, industrial and rural areas around Australia.

Results should be made available to the Government in December.

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