Online survey on referendum eyed

AN online survey will be publicised through social media to get Bougainvilleans living outside the region to get information of upcoming referendum.
The online survey will take about 15 minutes and focus on understanding how people living outside the region are getting information about the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the upcoming referendum.
People will have a chance to tell the ABG how to improve government awareness to them.
ABG director of media and communications Adriana Schmidt said the independent survey was being conducted by the Queensland University of Technology, using Bougainville researchers who produced the first Bougainville audience study in 2015.
“We know good awareness is key to keeping people informed and confident about what is happening to decide Bougainville’s future political status,” Schmidt said.
The online survey is one strategy of the second Bougainville audience study to improve government information.
In December last year, Bougainville researchers undertook 570 individual surveys and conducted over 200 focus group discussion across Bougainville.
The online survey will capture the views of people living outside Bougainville as well as focus group discussions.
“This survey will tell us how people get their information, what their preferred channels are, and what their current level of understanding is about the ABG, the peace agreement and referendum preparations,” she said.
“Based on the findings of the 2015 study, the ABG has made a lot of improvements to government information.
“We now have the ABG website and Facebook page, we have produced 13 editions of the Bougainville Bulletin, and conducted over 300 community discussions and broadcasts with our Radio Ples Lain and video teams.
“We also have made videos, fact sheets and posters. The survey link will be available and promoted from February 24 until March 10.
“Bougainvilleans living outside Bougainville are encouraged to complete the survey as openly and honestly as possible.
“All information will be confidential and answers will not be identifiable.”