Voters disapprove of major party tactics to shut out the Greens

A new Galaxy Poll commissioned by Senator Bob Brown has revealed overwhelming disapproval by voters of major party tactics to shut out the Greens and other parties with colluding preference deals.

The national poll of 1066 people taken between November 19-21 shows 63% of voters disapprove when asked their opinion of one major party, such as Labor or Liberal, directing preferences to the other major party, to prevent any candidate other than Labor or Liberal from winning the seat.

68% of Coalition voters disapproved, 58% of Labor voters disapproved and 72% of Greens voters disapproved.

"This poll shows two things: One - voters are wise to the major parties tactics to lock up Parliament, and two - they won't cop it," said Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown.

"In Victoria the Liberal Party strategists have put their traditional enemy, the Labor Party ahead of the Greens on preference cards because they can't cope with the growing swathe of voters who don't want to vote for either of them.

"My advice to voters is to put their preferences where they want to - don't listen to any party.

"This poll indicates that a large majority of Victorians are likely to do that on Saturday."

Media contact: Erin Farley 0438 376 082, www.greensmps.org.au

Further information: Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au