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Australians back air strikes against Isis in Iraq by three to one, poll shows

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Galaxy poll finds 62% of voters support the decision to target Islamic State group, with first attacks expected imminently

Australian Associated Press

An RAAF Super Hornet refuels en route to the Middle East.
An RAAF Super Hornet refuels en route to the Middle East. Photograph: Defence Department/EPA

Australian voters strongly back RAAF air strikes on the Islamic State (Isis) group in Iraq, and most believe the threat of terrorism attacks on home soil is real, a new poll shows.

The poll found 62% of voters supported Australia’s decision to carry out air strikes in Iraq, while 21% were opposed and 17% were uncommitted.

And 75% believe the threat of a terrorism attack on Australian soil is real, with only 16% disagreeing.

The Galaxy poll conducted for News Corp follows the green light given to Australian Super Hornets to take part in US-led strikes against Isis in Iraq.

The jets began non-combat reconnaissance operations over Iraq in the past couple of days to familiarise pilots with the region, with air strikes expected soon.

Six RAAF Super Hornets, a Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and a tanker transport, along with 400 RAAF personnel and 200 special forces troops have been deployed to the Middle East to help fight Isis.

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