POLIS Index Australia for Political Parties
Highlights by Religion
Australians' ethical evaluations of political parties vary by religious belief, but Labor is viewed more favorably than the Coalition across all groups. Among agnostic respondents, Labor receives a POLIS score of 3.12, while the Coalition scores 2.16. Similarly, atheists rate Labor even higher at 3.16, with the Coalition scoring just 2.04. These results show a pronounced gap in ethical trust among secular Australians, who overwhelmingly view Labor as more aligned with values like fairness, benevolence, and transparency.
Among religious Australians, the gap remains but narrows. Labor still leads with a POLIS score of 3.05, while the Coalition scores 2.57. This group provides the Coalition with its highest score among all religious categories, suggesting that shared moral or institutional values may contribute to stronger ethical alignment for religious voters. However, Labor still maintains a substantial lead, indicating that it is perceived as more ethically credible even in traditionally conservative-leaning groups.
Respondents who selected “other” religious beliefs—those not identifying as strictly atheist, agnostic, or conventionally religious—give Labor a POLIS score of 2.73 and the Coalition 2.30. While the scores are lower overall, the ranking holds: Labor is again perceived as the more ethically trustworthy party. These results suggest that non-mainstream belief systems do not significantly shift the direction of ethical evaluations.
The consistent pattern across religious identities underscores Labor’s broad ethical appeal and the Coalition’s ongoing struggle to gain trust, particularly among secular Australians. The largest gaps are seen among atheists and agnostics, where Labor outperforms the Coalition by more than a full point. This suggests that for those less tied to religious institutions, Labor’s values-based messaging resonates more strongly.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals that ethical perceptions of political parties are shaped by religious identity, but the overall structure of trust remains stable. Labor leads across all groups, while the Coalition performs best among religious Australians but fails to close the ethical gap. These findings suggest that moral and institutional trust is driven by more than shared religious affiliation—it’s also about how parties demonstrate fairness, legitimacy, and accountability in public life.
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.