ORANGE councillor Neil Jones says member for Calare John Cobb’s survey of his constituency is appalling and a blatant case of pushing National Party policy.
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Mr Cobb’s biggest survey is being delivered to residents throughout Calare and asks their opinion on topics including transport, agriculture and welfare.
Cr Jones said Mr Cobb had made no real attempt to find out what voters thought because he had skewed the wording of some questions and omitted questions on issues such as climate change and domestic violence.
“The questions are appalling and only being asked to get an answer that substantiates his position,” Cr Jones said.
“This is not about finding out the views of the community.”
Cr Jones said rather than asking people if they supported “keeping the traditional definition of marriage” the survey should have asked people if they supported marriage equality or legalising same sex marriage.
He said a question about the introduction of the carbon tax was misleading.
“There’s no talk of introducing a carbon tax, the question should have been, do you support a trading emissions scheme?” he said.
Cr Jones said another question asking if the current tax levels were too high was too simplistic and would not guide decision making.
Parkes resident Pam Nankivell said she too was disappointed Mr Cobb did not address key issues including the legalisation of drugs.
“The survey’s just propaganda,” she said.
“Some people will send it in. There are a lot of people who are still living in the 1930s and haven’t changed their vote or idea in years.
“I hope no Australians, including National Party supporters, will be taken in by this blatant example of government push polling.”
Mr Cobb’s office was contacted for comment.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au