POLIS Index Australia for Political Parties
Highlights by Gender
Australians' ethical evaluations of political parties differ across gender identities, but the pattern is clear: Labor is consistently perceived as more ethically credible than the Coalition. Among men, Labor receives a POLIS score of 3.09, compared to 2.33 for the Coalition. This indicates that men in Australia view Labor as better aligned with values such as competence, fairness, and institutional legitimacy.
Among women, the gap between the two parties widens slightly. Labor scores 3.10, while the Coalition drops to 2.13. These results suggest that women are even more skeptical of the Coalition’s ethical standing than men, and they place relatively greater trust in Labor on values such as benevolence, accountability, and transparency. Labor’s slight edge over its score among men further reinforces its appeal to women voters.
The most pronounced gap is among respondents who identify with a gender other than male or female. Labor receives a POLIS score of 2.86, while the Coalition falls to just 1.60—the lowest rating across all gender groups. This striking difference suggests that non-binary and gender-diverse Australians perceive a significant ethical divide between the two major parties, likely informed by issues of representation, fairness, and inclusion.
Despite some variation in score magnitudes, the overall structure remains stable: Labor leads in ethical perception across all gender groups. While the Coalition performs best among men and worst among non-binary respondents, it never comes close to surpassing Labor in any group. The data suggest that gender identity meaningfully influences not just how strongly Australians evaluate political ethics, but which party they trust more.
Overall, the POLIS Index highlights that gender identity plays a key role in shaping how Australians assess political parties on ethical grounds. Labor consistently earns higher scores from men, women, and non-binary individuals alike, while the Coalition trails across the board. These results point to a broad-based advantage for Labor on values like fairness and legitimacy—core elements of ethical political leadership 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.