POLIS Index Australia for Political Parties
Highlights by Marital Status
Australians’ perceptions of political parties vary slightly by marital status, but the pattern is consistent—Labor is viewed as more ethically aligned than the Coalition across all groups. Among married respondents, Labor receives a POLIS score of 3.16, while the Coalition scores 2.41. This group’s ratings reflect a clear trust gap, suggesting that even among partnered Australians, Labor is seen as more aligned with values like fairness, legitimacy, and procedural accountability.
Separated, divorced, or widowed respondents rate both parties slightly lower overall, but the same ranking persists. Labor scores 3.02 and the Coalition 2.19. The drop in scores may reflect greater skepticism or political disillusionment among this group, yet the 0.83-point gap suggests that Labor still enjoys a strong ethical advantage. These individuals continue to view Labor as more accountable and benevolent in their leadership approach.
Single Australians—many of whom are younger—also favor Labor, assigning the party a POLIS score of 3.06, compared to 2.09 for the Coalition. This is the Coalition’s lowest score across marital groups, pointing to even greater mistrust among single voters. Labor’s strong performance suggests that its message resonates well with younger or unpartnered individuals, particularly on values like transparency and fairness.
Labor’s consistent performance across all marital groups reveals a broadly positive ethical profile that transcends household structure or life stage. While scores differ in magnitude, the party’s lead over the Coalition is always significant—ranging from 0.72 to 0.97 points. This suggests that Australians, regardless of marital status, view Labor as more in line with the ethical expectations they hold for political leadership.
Overall, the POLIS Index shows that marital status may influence the intensity of ethical evaluations but not their direction. Labor leads in every category, while the Coalition lags consistently behind. These findings reinforce the public’s perception of Labor as the party more likely to uphold democratic values and institutional trust across diverse household types.
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.