Re: Surveys in the Solitary Islands and Jervis Bay Marine Parks

The Honourable Nathan Rees, MP
Premier of NSW
GPO Box 5341
SYDNEY NSW 2000

Dear Premier,

Re: Surveys in the Solitary Islands and Jervis Bay Marine Parks

Following comments made in Parliament by The Honourable Penny Sharpe (Hansard 13th May 2008) concerning the results of two attitudinal surveys on the public?s attitudes to the Solitary Islands Marine Park and the Jervis Bay Marine Park, AAG had written to the then Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water The Honourable Verity Firth on 26th May 2008 requesting that we be supplied with the information relating to the surveys themselves, being related to the methodologies employed. Ideally we were seeking the survey instruments so you could understand the actual questions responded to. The reply from Lisa Corbyn provided scant information on what we were seeking.

When you became Premier of NSW you have said on a number of occasions that your Government will become more accountable to the people of NSW. And given your admirable initiative in relaxing the Freedom of Information processes, would you please use your influence in obtaining for us the survey instruments for this research.

We would like to analyse this research so that we can be assured the results of the surveys are credible. Attitudinal surveys can be very misleading, and are dependent upon many variables which may result in greatly differing responses and outcomes depending on how they are structured, worded and administered. Unless peer reviewed, many believe that these ?attitudinal surveys? to be a waste of time and money, or worse.

On the other hand, if our review of the research agrees with that of the consultant then consensus has been reached and you and your government will win some much needed credibility in the wider community.

Yours sincerely

Phillip Ingram
President
Anglers Action Group