There is Often Common Ground on Ideas and Policy in the two Countries.
Increasingly in Australia debates about social, economic and cultural wars to free trade and corporate regulation appear to be converging with those of the USA. Consequently leadership texts and theories produced in the United States, which stretch commonsense boundaries, proliferate in Australia and the qualities of good leadership emphasizing diversity, cooperation, humility, respect, and community vision have become important in both countries. Also polling over decades shows that Australians have consistently regarded the ANZUS treaty (Australians strategic alliance with the United States) as important.
The Question of Iraq and Afghanistan
A clear majority of Australians feel Australia should not continue to be involved militarily in Iraq. Many are also ambivalent whether Australia’s military involvement in Afghanistan should continue. However the opinion that Australia should continue to help fight international terrorism is widespread.
The Nuclear Threat from Iraq
Most Australians think that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons and are therefore apprehensive and therefore support the use of economic sanctions as well as diplomatic efforts to stop Iran enriching uranium as necessary.
Conclusion
Australians, opinions about the US are favorable but there is a substantial body of negative opinion indicating a general awareness that much of the relationship with the United States should change even radically to be of further benefit to Australia
