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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsEconomyStarted 12yrs agoActive 3 days ago

Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt?

The 2015 Australian Federal Budget was the eight in a row which contained a budget deficit. The deficit grew 7% to $37.4 billion. A $4.4 billion family aid package, a $5.5 billion small business package and slowing mineral exports were the largest contributors to the increased deficit. The largest cuts were made to foreign aid which decreased by 29% from 2014. Proponents of deficit reduction argue that governments who do not control budget deficits and debt are at risk of losing their ability to borrow money at affordable rates. Opponents of deficit reduction argue that government spending would increase demand for goods and services and help avert a dangerous fall into deflation, a downward spiral in wages and prices that can cripple an economy for years.

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Answer Overview

Response rates from 438k Australia voters.

44%
Yes
56%
No
39%
Yes
43%
No
4%
Yes, but by drastically reducing the benefits and salaries of government officials
6%
No, increase taxes on large multinational corporations instead
1%
Yes, and eliminate federal agencies that are unconstitutional
2%
No, increase taxes on the wealthy instead
0%
Yes, and increase taxes
2%
No, cuts to public spending will negatively affect the economy
2%
No, focus on ending tax evasion instead
1%
No, reduce military spending instead
1%
No, reduce the number of government officials instead

Historical Support

Trend of support over time for each answer from 438k Australia voters.

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Historical Importance

Trend of how important this issue is for 438k Australia voters.

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from Australia voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

 @BDLY9JCanswered…1mo1MO

No, Australia’s debt isn’t at crisis levels compared to other Western countries, so broad spending cuts aren’t necessary; instead, spending should be carefully targeted for efficiency while protecting growth and essential services.

 @BDK47Z4answered…1mo1MO

Public spending needs to be regulated more cut out all the red tape and people having roles for no reason reasons

 @BCMR6VV answered…2mos2MO

No (or at least not yet), just end the tax loopholes for corporations in particular.

 @BCXPZK5answered…2mos2MO

Government has no authority to do anything.

 @BBZG4BQanswered…3mos3MO

No, because reducing spending means someone going without. Govt needs greater revenues so we can pay down more debt AND fund programs people want and need. For example, dental in Medicare.
So, yes, end tax evasion, close loopholes, make corporations pay a fairer share and ditto the higher earners, but NOT a progressively greater tax, which discourages hard work, innovation and people getting ahead.
Maybe implement death duties, exempting the family home up to a value commensurate with the average home, so like $2 mill or thereabouts, indexed. Set it low enough that people don't feel the…  Read more

 @96FVK5Janswered…4yrs4Y

Yes, but don't defund the Ministry of Defence or Emergency Services, and also raise taxes

 @8D84DB9answered…6yrs6Y

No, reduce military spending, and tax the rich and corporations

 @9WY6V9Wanswered…2yrs2Y

No, defund military and fund diplomacy and foreign aid; focus on ending tax evasion; increases taxes on wealthy and large multinational corporations; and end the tax-free status of the mining industry/stop wasting money on new mines

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 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...…2yrs2Y

Do you support the government calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza?

Yes

▲  1.4k6 replies5 disagree

About This Data

Based on 438k responses to this question.

These results come from iSideWith's ongoing political issues survey. We collect over a million responses per day, filter out duplicate and multiple submissions, and break the results down by political party, ideology, age, state, and census demographics (income, race, education, household).

iSideWith is non-partisan — we don't advocate for any party, candidate, or position. We report what the public tells us.

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Cite This Poll

iSideWith. (2026). “Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt?” — Public Opinion Poll Results. Retrieved June 26, 2026, from https://australia.isidewith.com/polls/488729614

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