POLIS Index Australia for Party Leaders
Highlights by Children in Household
Australians’ ethical perceptions of party leaders differ based on the presence of children in the household, but Anthony Albanese is consistently viewed as more ethically credible than Peter Dutton across all groups. Among respondents with children in the household, Albanese receives a POLIS score of 3.17, while Dutton scores 2.08. This 1.11-point gap indicates that parents perceive Albanese as more aligned with values such as fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Among respondents without children in the household, Albanese scores 3.18, while Dutton receives 2.01. Although the gap increases slightly to 1.17 points, the trend remains consistent: Albanese is perceived as more ethically trustworthy. This suggests that across parental statuses, Australians view Albanese as more aligned with democratic values and public accountability.
The consistent preference for Albanese across both groups may reflect his perceived commitment to inclusive policies and advocacy for families, resonating strongly with the electorate. Dutton's lower scores among both parents and non-parents highlight ongoing challenges in building trust and aligning with the ethical expectations of a diverse electorate.
Albanese’s steady performance underscores his broad ethical appeal. The Coalition leader’s lower scores, particularly among parents, highlight ongoing challenges in building trust and aligning with the ethical expectations of a diverse electorate.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals that Australians, regardless of parental status, perceive Anthony Albanese as more ethically credible than Peter Dutton. The uniformity of this trend across diverse groups underscores Albanese’s broad-based appeal and the importance of ethical leadership in fostering public trust.
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.