POLIS Index Australia for Political Parties
Highlights by Region
Across every region of Australia, Labor is consistently viewed as more ethically credible than the Coalition. The largest gap appears in the Australian Capital Territory, where Labor scores a POLIS rating of 3.25, while the Coalition scores just 1.74. This 1.51-point difference is the most pronounced in the country, indicating that voters in the ACT hold particularly strong views in favour of Labor’s ethical alignment with values such as transparency, legitimacy, and accountability.
Western Australia also shows a notable divide, with Labor receiving its highest regional score at 3.26, compared to 2.46 for the Coalition. This sizable gap suggests that voters in WA perceive Labor as more trustworthy and fair, further reinforcing the party’s strong ethical reputation in regions often known for political diversity and independence in voting behaviour.
In New South Wales and Victoria—Australia’s most populous states—Labor maintains its ethical lead. In NSW, Labor scores 3.09 and the Coalition 2.14, while in Victoria, the scores are 3.10 and 2.24, respectively. The consistency of these results shows that urban and suburban Australians in these key states view Labor more favourably across a range of ethical dimensions.
Queensland and South Australia present slightly narrower gaps. In Queensland, Labor scores 2.98 versus the Coalition’s 2.26, while in South Australia, the scores are 3.16 and 2.22, respectively. Even where the Coalition performs relatively better, it still trails Labor by at least 0.7 points, indicating a persistent credibility deficit.
Overall, the POLIS Index shows that Australians across all states and territories perceive Labor as the more ethically trustworthy party. While the size of the gap varies, the direction of preference is consistent. These findings highlight Labor’s broad-based ethical appeal, and the Coalition’s ongoing struggle to build public trust—particularly in regions that value transparency, fairness, and inclusive governance.
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.