Australians appear to be concerned about the environment and want action taken, but only if it doesn’t involve their own hip pocket, according to the Sensis® Consumer Report released today.
The report, which tracks consumer confidence and a range of social issues each quarter, interviewed 1,500 Australians nationwide from 1 to 31 August.

Report author Ms Christena Singh said the environment was the number one issue Australians would address if they were Prime Minister.

Overall 12 per cent of Australians said they would address environmental issues, including climate change, drought, salinity, water and renewable energy, if they were in the top job.

And when probed about their environmental views, about four in 10 Australians said they were concerned about climate change, while around one third were concerned about water storage and one in five were worried about the drought.

“However, it appears our beliefs and our actions may not currently be in sync.

“While climate change is the environmental issue of most concern, more than 50 per cent said they were not prepared to pay more for energy under a proposed National Emissions Trading Scheme,” Ms Singh said.

For those who were prepared to make a contribution, 13 per cent said they would pay an additional $50 to $99 a year for energy, with 12 per cent willing to pay between $100 and $199 in additional energy costs a year.

Residents of the ACT are the most willing to pay more for energy under a National Emissions Trading Scheme, while Queenslanders are least committed.

“The apparent disconnect between words and actions might be explained by looking at Australians’ overall concerns at the moment,” she explained.

Ms Singh added the cost of living was Australians’ number one concern at present, well above social issues including the environment, and the health and education systems.

“Given consumer confidence is at record lows, our immediate concerns have shifted from social to economic issues.

“During the economic boom conditions not so long ago, we saw concerns about the environment and other social issues rating much higher.

“It also appears we make a clear distinction between what we want the government to do and pay for and what we are prepared to do and pay for ourselves.”

Most people said they would like Australians to help the environment by recycling at home, followed by using less water, investing in alternative power sources and riding or taking public transport.

The health system, education and petrol prices are the other key areas Australians would address as a priority if they were Prime Minister.

“The responses to our hypothetical did highlight Australia’s diverse culture, with a wide range of policy areas being suggested, including helping the elderly, reducing interest rates and changing the tax system.

“Many also had problems deciding what to do first if they were Prime Minister, suggesting a view governing for all isn’t an easy job,” she concluded.

About Sensis

Sensis is Telstra's advertising business and Australia's leading directories information resource, helping Australians find, buy and sell. Sensis delivers innovative and integrated local search and digital marketing solutions via print, online, voice and mobile channels to connect Australians 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sensis' powerful, multi-channel portfolio provides an unparalleled local information source incorporating the White Pages® and Yellow Pages® directories; the MediaSmart digital advertising business; the Whereis® digital mapping business; the Citysearch® entertainment and lifestyle website; the sensis.com.au search engine; the 1234 operator-assisted, premium voice information service; and the accommodation website gostay.com.au. Sensis is also a partner in some of China's most popular websites including real estate and home furnishings website, SouFun.com; auto websites Autohome.com and Che168.com; and digital devices websites IT168.com and PCPop.com.cn.