POLIS Index Australia for Political Parties
Highlights by Socioeconomic Status
Across all socioeconomic status (SES) groups in Australia, the Labor Party is perceived as more ethically credible than the Coalition. Among lower-class respondents, Labor receives a POLIS score of 2.98, while the Coalition scores just 2.03. This substantial gap suggests that economically vulnerable Australians see Labor as more aligned with values like fairness, accountability, and procedural justice, whereas the Coalition faces deep trust challenges in this group.
Among middle-class Australians, the overall POLIS scores increase, but the pattern remains the same. Labor leads with a score of 3.14, and the Coalition follows at 2.26. The improvement for both parties suggests that middle-class respondents—often considered politically engaged and economically stable—see both parties as somewhat more ethically aligned than lower-income Australians do. Still, the Coalition remains nearly a full point behind Labor, reflecting a persistent values gap.
The upper-class group presents the Coalition’s best performance, with a POLIS score of 2.34. Labor, however, remains in the lead at 3.12. While the margin narrows slightly, the results show that wealthier Australians also trust Labor more to uphold ethical standards. Labor’s strong standing across SES levels underscores its broad reputational advantage on values such as legitimacy, transparency, and institutional responsibility.
The Coalition’s lowest score comes from lower-class respondents and its highest from the upper class—suggesting that perceptions of the party are shaped in part by economic self-interest or class-based political messaging. Labor, by contrast, earns its highest POLIS score from the middle class, but maintains a strong ethical profile across all three groups. These differences show that economic identity moderates ethical trust but doesn’t dramatically alter the overall rankings.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals a consistent class-based gap in ethical evaluations. Australians across all SES levels perceive Labor as more ethically trustworthy than the Coalition, with the sharpest contrast among lower-class respondents. These findings highlight the relevance of class in shaping how citizens evaluate the fairness, accountability, and legitimacy of political parties in Australia’s democratic system.
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.