POLIS Index Australia for Political Parties
Highlights by Citizenship
Australians' perceptions of political parties differ modestly based on citizenship status, with the Labor Party consistently seen as more ethically credible than the Coalition across both groups. Among citizens, Labor receives a POLIS score of 3.10, while the Coalition trails behind at 2.19. This suggests that citizens perceive Labor as more aligned with core ethical values such as fairness, transparency, and procedural accountability, whereas the Coalition is viewed with more skepticism.
Among non-citizens, the ranking remains the same, but the gap narrows. Labor continues to lead with a POLIS score of 3.03, and the Coalition improves slightly to 2.45. These results suggest that while both groups evaluate the parties similarly, non-citizens view the Coalition somewhat more favorably than citizens do. The higher ratings for both parties among non-citizens could reflect differing expectations, less direct political engagement, or perceptions shaped more by media and public image than by lived policy experiences.
The relatively stable perception of Labor across both groups underscores its image as an ethically grounded party with broad reputational appeal. The modest decline among non-citizens may reflect weaker resonance on issues that matter more to permanent residents or new migrants, though the drop is not substantial. In contrast, the Coalition’s lower score among citizens suggests that those eligible to vote may be more critical of the party’s values and leadership, perhaps due to longer-term political exposure or policy impacts.
Interestingly, the improvement in the Coalition’s score among non-citizens could suggest that the party is viewed as more competent or legitimate by this group, or at least not as sharply criticized on ethical grounds. However, even with this increase, the Coalition still trails Labor by a notable margin. This reinforces the idea that while citizenship status influences perceptions, the broader narrative of Labor as the more ethically trusted party holds across the population.
Overall, the POLIS Index highlights that ethical evaluations of political parties are shaped by both structural identity (such as citizenship) and perceived values. Labor is consistently viewed as the more ethically aligned party, while the Coalition continues to face challenges in public trust—especially among citizens. These results speak to the importance of values-based credibility in maintaining political legitimacy across diverse segments of the Australian population.
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.