The use of taxpayer funds to gauge public sentiment during the extended COVID-19 lockdowns in Victoria has been defended by Premier Daniel Andrews. The revelations came to light when research firm QDOS was hired to test community reactions to restrictions, including travel limitations, curfews, industry closures, and childcare suspensions. QDOS had contracts worth $2 million with the government and conducted daily online polling, as well as fortnightly focus groups both in Melbourne and regionally. Premier Andrews used the results to provide “real-time” analysis of the public mood and provided daily updates on COVID-19 for over 120 consecutive appearances. He denied that the polling was done for political reasons, stating that it was carried out to gain insight into public health information. However, opposition leader John Pesutto was critical, arguing that it was purely “political polling.”
Australian leader justifies using public funds for COVID-19 polling.
