Australians reject Coalition attacks on businesses promoting social issues

New survey finds almost 80% support CEOs having a say, but more than half believe when they do, it is out of self-interest

Australians overwhelmingly support business leaders speaking out on social and political issues, according to a new survey that conflicts with government efforts to paint such efforts as corporate kowtowing to "noisy elites".

However, the new survey, from the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (Ceda), also shows that when chief executives do speak out they are regarded as doing so out of self-interest.