On the eve of Kevin Rudd’s visit to China, a GetUp poll conducted by Galaxy Research has found the overwhelming majority of Australians (71%) are in favour of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd using his standing with the Chinese Government to attempt to broker a lasting solution to the Tibet conflict.

The number of Australians in favour is almost seven times as many as those who oppose such a move (11%).

According to the poll results, the positive sentiment is broadly held, with a strong majority supporting Kevin Rudd’s involvement in the Tibet peace process, regardless of demographic factors like age, gender, location, income or education.

“The Prime Minister should be in no doubt, as he heads into his meetings with the Chinese leaders, of the deep resonance of this issue within the broader community,” said GetUp Executive Director Brett Solomon. “He clearly has the backing of his domestic constituency.”

“A chance like this won’t come again – not only is the world’s eyes focussed on China for the Beijing Olympics, but our Prime Minister’s diplomatic and language skills are coupled with the fortuitous timing of his meetings with the Chinese President and Premier.”

“Mr Rudd is the best placed world leader to stand up for Tibet and the Australian community are rising to meet that opportunity by sending him to Beijing with an unflinching mandate to boldly do so,” said Mr Solomon.

Over 54,000 Australians have already signed GetUp’s petition echoing the call of those 71% of Australians.

GetUp’s campaign can be found at www.getup.org.au/campaign/StandUpForTibet