Australians don’t trust their elected representatives to deliver on the things that matter. Photo: John Lomnicki.
Trust in politicians has taken a dive, with a clear majority of Australians believing their elected representatives do not serve their interests.
That’s according to a new report from the Centre for Policy Development, whose annual study of the political system shows a steady decline in trust since March 2023.
Its latest survey reveals 58 per cent of Australians don’t think politicians are there for them; 68 per cent believe politics is more concerned with short-term gains than addressing long-term challenges; and just 38 per cent of the poll’s participants believe elected parliaments are effective at tackling the country’s major issues.
Australians want more say in policy, according to the survey, with 65 per cent of the public believing ordinary citizens should have much more involvement in the setting of core policy priorities.
However, 84 per cent of Australians believe the government must maintain the internal capability to deliver social services directly; and 76 per cent agree the overall wellbeing of the population should be the top consideration in government decision-making, explicitly above all other concerns.
An overwhelming majority (80 to 91 per cent, depending on service types) believe health, education, and childcare must be free or universally affordable, with strict eligibility criteria receiving very little support at 6 per cent to 15 per cent.
The centre’s Purpose of Government Pulse report, which was released on Friday (4 September) reveals a growing disconnect between the public and politicians.
It says Australians have clear expectations for what they want government and democracy to deliver, which is steady improvements in wellbeing and a fair and equal society, but they are increasingly skeptical that elected representatives are focused and capable of delivering.
“This skepticism is clearly reflected in the declining primary vote share of the two major parties and the rising popularity of independent, community-backed candidates,” the report states.
It notes that the last decade has seen significant social and economic upheaval, including a rise in global conflict, the destabilisation of the international order, and a deterioration in social cohesion.
A subsequent reduction in living standards has coloured much of the 21st century, the report says, and it is becoming increasingly clear that these challenges “are not a passing blip on the radar”, but an enduring feature of the dominant political and economic systems.
“While these pressures express themselves differently around the world, we are clearly living through a period of profound change where the challenges of climate change, technological disruption, and economic instability intersect and compound,” it states.
“In Australia, this global volatility is reflected in a range of ways. Interest rate hikes, stubborn inflation, stagnant wage growth, and a housing market that feels out of reach for many families is driving public cynicism and distrust.
“Economic pressures are exacerbating inequality, fuelling divisions between demographics and having a significant impact on social cohesion.
“It is an unenviable position for any government to find itself in.”
All up, 29 per cent of Australians see improving the wellbeing of the population as government’s primary purpose, overtaking “ensuring a decent standard of living” which held the top spot in the previous three surveys.
That is accompanied by 36 per cent of the latest poll’s respondents believing democracy’s main role is to ensure all people are treated fairly and equally.
Almost three quarters (73 per cent) of Australians believe governments should focus on preventing problems early by investing now to reduce future costs, rather than relying on reactive measures.
“It is clear that voters are losing patience with politics as it has always been done,” the report states.
“People are voicing their frustration with the traditional two-party system by branching out to independents and minor parties like One Nation.
“People increasingly feel like the current political system doesn’t listen to their concerns and that major decisions are made without their input or consultation.
“Despite this frustration, Australians have not given up on their vision for what government and democracy can, and should, deliver.
“The concept of a ‘fair go’ remains at the very heart of how people view our democratic system and, indeed, as the primary purpose of democracy.”
The Centre for Policy Development is an independent, not-for-profit policy institute think tank.
Its Purpose of Government Pulse is an annual report that maps Australian’s shifting attitudes toward government, democracy and politics.
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
