POLIS Index Australia for Party Leaders
Highlights by Generational Cohort
Ethical perceptions of party leaders in Australia differ by generation, but Anthony Albanese is consistently viewed as more ethically credible than Peter Dutton across all cohorts. Among Generation Z, Albanese receives the highest POLIS score of any group at 3.27, while Dutton scores just 1.93. This 1.33-point gap highlights a significant preference among younger Australians for values-based leadership rooted in fairness, inclusion, and accountability.
Millennials also express strong support for Albanese, rating him at 3.16 compared to Dutton’s 1.94. The consistency of these results across younger generations indicates a clear trust advantage for Albanese among voters who are likely to prioritize transparency, social equity, and progressive governance. Dutton’s relatively low ratings suggest that his leadership style resonates far less with these groups.
Generation X narrows the gap slightly, with Albanese scoring 3.09 and Dutton 2.31. While the ethical perception gap remains, this cohort expresses relatively stronger support for Dutton compared to younger Australians. These results may reflect a generational shift in the weight placed on different ethical dimensions, such as competence or stability versus fairness and benevolence.
Baby Boomers provide both leaders with their highest scores among the older cohorts. Albanese earns a POLIS score of 3.15, while Dutton receives 2.13. Although the gap narrows further, it still favours Albanese by a full point, indicating that even among older Australians—who are often considered more conservative—Albanese is viewed as more ethically aligned with core democratic values.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals a consistent generational pattern: Anthony Albanese is seen as more ethically credible than Peter Dutton across all age groups. The gap is widest among younger Australians and narrows slightly with age, but Dutton never surpasses or matches Albanese. These findings reflect a stable, cross-generational advantage for Albanese in values-based public leadership.
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.