POLIS Index Australia for Political Parties
Highlights by Sexual Orientation
Australians’ ethical perceptions of political parties vary significantly by sexual orientation, but Labor is consistently viewed as more ethically aligned than the Coalition across all groups. Among heterosexual respondents, Labor receives a POLIS score of 3.09, while the Coalition scores 2.27. This indicates that even among the majority population, Labor holds a clear advantage on values like fairness, legitimacy, and accountability.
Among gay, lesbian, and bisexual Australians, the gap widens considerably. Labor receives a POLIS score of 3.18, while the Coalition drops to just 1.84. This substantial difference suggests that LGB Australians perceive Labor as significantly more aligned with ethical values such as inclusion, transparency, and benevolence. The Coalition’s low score reflects deep concerns about its commitment to these values within the LGB community.
Australians who identify with other sexual orientations—such as pansexual, asexual, or queer—also rate Labor higher, with a POLIS score of 3.11, compared to the Coalition’s 2.01. This group’s evaluations mirror the broader trend: Labor is seen as more ethically trustworthy, while the Coalition continues to face skepticism, particularly on issues of representation and social equity.
Notably, Labor’s POLIS scores remain consistently strong across all sexual orientation groups, demonstrating broad ethical appeal that transcends identity lines. The Coalition, however, experiences a significant drop in perceived ethical credibility among non-heterosexual Australians, highlighting a reputational challenge that extends beyond partisan preferences.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals that sexual orientation significantly shapes ethical evaluations of political parties in Australia. While Labor maintains strong, stable support across the board, the Coalition faces serious trust deficits—especially among LGB and other non-heterosexual Australians. These findings underscore the importance of inclusive values and the reputational consequences of perceived exclusion or misalignment with diverse communities.
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.