An ACNielson survey discovered one in five Australians ranked terrorism as their biggest concern in the next six months. This is in comparison to the United States and Asia who ranked terrorism quite low in their concerns.

According to the survey, five hundred Australians polled ranked in order of concern;

• 20% Terrorism
• 19% Job security
• 16% Health
• 15% Economy

The 20% figure was up from 7% in the previous ACNielson survey. By comparison, five percent ranked crime as the biggest concern, three percent political stability and two percent war.

Why are Australians so suddenly fearful of terrorism? The arrests in NSW and Victoria occurred in this period. Both of which were played to major political advantage at the federal and state levels. Apart from this, the Liberal government constantly plays its "tough on terrorism" card, while Labor harps on about Iraq making us "less safe".

By comparison, only seven percent rated terrorism as their main concern in the Asia-Pacific region. The global average for terrorism was also seven percent. We appear to be a very fearful society at the moment. The globe ranked the economy higher, with 22% claiming it as their main concern.

Gallup has a study on the greatest concerns of Americans . They break down as;

• 26% Iraq
• 24% Economy
• 10% Government/Politics/Administration
• 5% Crime
• 3% Terrorism

It is interesting that Australia's and America's perception or concerns of Iraq and Terrorism are almost exactly opposite.

More Reading on Terrorism

• Terrorism
• Iraq
• ACNielsen
• Gallup
• Polling
• Comparing Australian Foreign Policy With Respect To Terrorism
• Focusing Australian Policy On Afghanistan
• Liberal Secularism is the Answer to Terrorism
• Anarchy and Bombs
• Proof That Terrorism Remains a Foreign Policy Issue
• The Strength of the Indonesian People
• Dont Taunt The Shadow State
• Defending the MCG From Terrorism
• While Australia Is Adding New Laws
• Australian Concerns On Terror