March 13, 2025 – Almost nine out of ten Australians don’t want trans issues to be used for political gain during this federal election campaign, according to a new poll. 

Most Australians also stridently oppose discrimination against the LGBT community and believe trans people should have the same rights and protections as everyone else. 

The polling was released amid a growing backlash against an ad campaign run by Clive Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots and his press club address scheduled for today. 

The Redbridge polling was conducted for Equality Australia between February 3 and 7 this year with a sample of 1,013 Australians aged 18 and older. 

Key findings: 

• 86% agree or strongly agree that government and opposition should not politicise trans issues for political gain  
• 89% agree or strongly agree that LGBT people deserve to live with dignity and respect  
• 91% agree or strongly agree that trans people should have the freedom and choice to live their lives in the way that makes them happy  
• 81% agree of strongly agree that trans people deserve the same rights and protections as other Australians  

Top three issue for people for the upcoming election: cost of living, healthcare and housing affordability (in that order). 

Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown: 

“It’s clear from this polling that the vast majority of Australians see trans people as worthy of respect and protection, and they don’t want to see them used as a political punching bag. 

“Further qualitative research also shows that voters fear our politicians going down the same path as the US and wholeheartedly reject Trumpist rhetoric and ideology. 

“This polling proves that Australian values of equality and a fair go immediately come to the fore when it comes to issues affecting the vulnerable. 

“It also proves that attacking the marginalised is not only morally wrong but politically foolish. 

“Most Australians are outraged to see a billionaire splash a truly obscene amount of money peddling hate and sowing division when they can’t afford to pay their bill or buy groceries. 

“The fact he’s taking cheap shots at some of the most vulnerable people in our society makes it all the more disgraceful - these are real people and ads like this cause real harm.” 

Tony Barry, Director of Redbridge: 

“Australian voters are in the market for policies on cost of living relief, housing and public and private health. 

“These are the salient issues that are underpinning their vote considerations. The major parties cannot allow themselves to go off-message with self-indulgent culture wars because that’s the dog that isn’t barking.” 

Teddy Cook, Chair of the TransEquality Council: 

“This polling shows that what is important to the Australian public is the cost of living and not trans lives. 

“Trans people are busy contributing to our communities and getting on with our lives. Meanwhile, a tiny group of lobbyists and some billionaires remain unhealthily obsessed with us existing. 

“Australians aren’t interested in seeing trans people be used as a distraction in an election campaign. It’s been tried before in Australia and is clearly a losing strategy. 

“Talking about gender and obsessing about a vulnerable 1% of the population won’t help pay the bills or find a home.” 

Contact: Emily Mulligan, 0411 207 633, emily.mulligan@equalityaustralia.org.au