Many people hold mistaken beliefs about what causes cancer, tending to inflate the threat from environmental factors that have relatively little impact while minimizing the hazards of behaviours well established as cancer risk factors, according to the first global survey on the topic. The survey, conducted by Roy Morgan Research and Gallup International on behalf of the International Union of Against Cancer (UICC), identified key areas where misconceptions could be addressed and where lives could be saved. The survey involved interviewing 29,925 people in 29 countries across the globe during the last year. It is the first study to provide internationally comparable data on perceptions about cancer risk factors. The results, which allow for comparison between high-, middle- and low-income countries, were released Wednesday at the UICC's World Cancer Congress in Geneva. Full article.

Australians are the most likely to ask for an expensive new cancer drug from their doctor with 98% of Australians agreeing with the statement, “If you had cancer and a very expensive cancer drug that you would have to pay for could treat your cancer, would you expect your doctor to tell you about this new drug?” according to this special Roy Morgan International poll conducted between October 2007 – August 2008 in conjunction with Gallup International with over 29,500 people in 30 countries world-wide. Respondents in New Zealand, Canada, Italy, USA and UK (All 95%), Greece (92%), Czech Republic and Albania (90%), Israel (89%), Lebanon (88%), Philippines (85%) and Indonesia (83%) were all heavily in favour of being told by their doctor about an expensive new cancer drug that could treat a cancer. Full article.

In mid August, ALP support is 47% (up 1.5%) well ahead of L-NP support 37.5% (down 2%). On a two-party preferred basis, support for the ALP is 57% (up 2%), while support for the L-NP is 43% (down 2%). If the Federal Election were held today the ALP would win according to the latest face-to-face Morgan Poll conducted on the weekends of August 9/10 & 16/17. Among the minor parties, support for the Greens is 8.5% (up 0.5%), support for Family First 2% (up 0.5%) and Independents/Others 5% (down 1%). The Roy Morgan Government Confidence Rating has leapt 11 points to 123 points – the highest Government Confidence Rating since early June (127 points). Australia is “heading in the right direction” according to 52% (up 4.5% and 8.5% in a month) of Australians, compared to 29% (down 6.5%) that say Australia is “heading in the wrong direction.” Full article.

This is the foreword to the La Trobe Lecture given by Gary Morgan on Victoria Day in the Queen's Hall of the Victorian Parliament on July 5, 2008. Full Article ( PDF, Size: 3,223KB)

This is the full compilation of the Gary Morgan's Address, to the Victoria Day Council in the Victorian State Parliament for the 157th Anniversary of the Foundation of the State of Victoria. Full Article ( PDF, Size: 19,391KB)

In mid August 2008 the New Zealand Roy Morgan Poll shows National Party support at 48% (up 0.5%) still well ahead of the Labour Party 34% (up 1.5%), if an election were held now the National Party would win. Support for the Greens was 7.5% (down 0.5%), NZ First 6.5% (up 1.5%), Maori Party 2% (down 1%), ACT NZ 1.5% (down 1%) and Others 0.5% (down 0.5%). The Roy Morgan Government Confidence Rating has risen for the second New Zealand Morgan Poll in a row, rising strongly to 103.5 (up 12pts). It is now at its highest level since being at 104.5 in early May. Now more New Zealanders 44.5% (up 6%) say the country is “heading in the right direction” compared to 41% (down 6%) that say the country is “heading in the wrong direction.” Full article.

The mid August NZ Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence rating is 94.9 points, up 7.1 points from early August and the highest since mid April (100 points). Full article.

Roy Morgan Research provides the industry currency in readership figures. It is the most influential survey on newspaper and magazine readership in Australia and ensures selection of the most appropriate publications to reach Population 14+ markets. Full article.