POLIS Index Australia for Political Parties
Highlights by Education Level
Across all education levels, Australians consistently rate the Labor Party as more ethically aligned than the Coalition. Among those with a university degree, Labor receives a POLIS score of 3.13, while the Coalition trails behind at 2.24. This pattern holds across every other level of education, with Labor outperforming the Coalition by a wide margin. The consistent gap suggests that regardless of academic attainment, Australians view Labor as more trustworthy, fair, and accountable.
Australians with post-graduate or professional degrees rate Labor the highest overall, assigning the party a POLIS score of 3.17. The Coalition receives its lowest rating from this group at 2.16. These respondents—likely to be highly engaged and policy-aware—appear particularly skeptical of the Coalition’s ethical conduct, especially in areas like transparency, procedural fairness, and accountability. Labor’s stronger ethical standing among this group reinforces its image as the party more aligned with institutional trust and professional integrity.
Among respondents with a diploma, Labor scores 3.04 and the Coalition 2.25. Similarly, those with only secondary schooling or less give Labor a POLIS score of 3.02, while the Coalition receives 2.20. These results indicate that Australians with less formal education still perceive Labor as more ethically credible, though the gaps are slightly narrower than those seen among university-educated groups. The Coalition performs slightly better among diploma holders and those with lower educational attainment, but the overall trend remains the same.
What is notable is the consistency of Labor’s ethical reputation across education levels. Whether highly educated or not, Australians associate Labor with higher ethical standards. The Coalition’s ratings, while modestly variable, never surpass 2.25 in any group—indicating broad-based challenges in ethical perception. These consistent gaps suggest that public skepticism toward the Coalition is widespread, not confined to any one educational demographic.
Overall, education level plays a role in the strength of ethical evaluations, but not the direction. The POLIS Index reveals a clear and consistent preference for Labor over the Coalition in terms of ethical alignment. Australians across all educational backgrounds trust Labor more to embody values like fairness, transparency, and legitimacy—core components of political trust in a democratic society.
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.