POLIS Index Australia for Political Parties
Highlights by Children in Household
Australians’ ethical perceptions of political parties differ slightly based on whether they have children in the household, but Labor remains the clear leader in both groups. Among those with one or more children, Labor receives a POLIS score of 3.10, while the Coalition scores 2.29. This suggests that parents or guardians view Labor as significantly more ethically aligned, particularly on values like fairness, benevolence, and transparency.
Among those with no children in the household, Labor continues to lead with a POLIS score of 3.09, while the Coalition receives 2.17. The slight drop in both parties’ scores may reflect differences in perceived policy relevance or engagement, but the overall ranking remains unchanged. Labor maintains a clear ethical advantage, while the Coalition continues to face challenges in public trust.
The consistency in Labor’s scores across both groups suggests a broadly stable and positive ethical reputation. Australians with or without children view the party as embodying values of institutional legitimacy and accountability. This stability indicates that Labor's ethical image is resilient across life stages and household compositions.
The Coalition’s slightly higher score among those with children (2.29 vs. 2.17) may reflect marginally more positive perceptions among families, possibly tied to economic messaging or traditional appeals. However, even in this group, the gap between the Coalition and Labor remains significant—more than 0.8 points—indicating a clear deficit in perceived ethical alignment.
Overall, the POLIS Index shows that whether or not Australians have children, they trust Labor more than the Coalition to represent ethical governance. These results highlight how family status may shift the strength of evaluations but not the direction: across households, ethical credibility is firmly associated with Labor.
What values do people in democratic nations want their political parties to imbue and represent?
Integrity
Integrity means acting consistently with one’s principles and telling the truth, even when it's inconvenient. In a democracy, people expect their political representatives to follow through on promises and live up to the values they claim to hold. Without integrity, public trust quickly erodes.
Benevolence
Benevolence reflects care, compassion, and a commitment to serving the public rather than personal or partisan interests. Citizens expect those in power to act in the best interest of society, especially for vulnerable or underserved groups. When benevolence is lacking, politics can feel distant and self-serving.
Accountability
Accountability means being answerable for decisions and willing to admit mistakes. Democratic systems rely on the idea that leaders serve the people and must face consequences if they fall short. When accountability is strong, citizens feel empowered to demand better.
Legitimacy
Legitimacy is the belief that those in power deserve their authority and represent the people fairly. It’s not just about winning elections — it’s about earning public trust through ethical, democratic leadership. Without legitimacy, political systems struggle to function effectively or peacefully.
Competence
Competence is the ability to get things done — to design effective policies, manage resources, and solve problems. In democratic societies, voters want leaders who can deliver real results and meet the needs of diverse communities. Good intentions matter, but capable execution is essential.
Transparency
Transparency is about openness — making decisions visible, explaining them clearly, and sharing information honestly. In a democracy, people have a right to know how decisions are made and why. Transparency builds public confidence and helps prevent corruption or manipulation.
Procedural Fairness
Procedural fairness ensures that rules are applied equally, decisions are made impartially, and everyone is treated with respect. In a diverse democracy, fairness is the foundation of legitimacy — it reassures people that the system is not biased or rigged. Fair processes create faith in just outcomes.