POLIS Index Australia for Party Leaders
Highlights by Education Level
Across all education levels, Anthony Albanese is perceived as more ethically credible than Peter Dutton. Among respondents with a post-graduate or professional degree, Albanese receives his highest POLIS score at 3.26, while Dutton receives his lowest at 1.96. This 1.30-point gap underscores the strong ethical trust Albanese enjoys among Australia’s most highly educated individuals, particularly on values such as competence, fairness, and procedural legitimacy.
Among those with a university degree, the pattern remains consistent. Albanese earns a POLIS score of 3.22, while Dutton scores 2.06. These results indicate that university-educated Australians strongly prefer Albanese as a leader who aligns more closely with values like transparency and accountability. The Coalition leader trails behind, reflecting a significant credibility gap.
Australians with a diploma provide Albanese with a POLIS score of 3.02, while Dutton scores slightly higher here than in more educated groups, at 2.07. While this narrows the gap somewhat, Albanese still holds a clear advantage, suggesting broader ethical appeal across practical and vocational education segments of the population.
Among those with secondary school or less, Albanese again scores 3.03, while Dutton scores 2.07—virtually the same as among diploma holders. The consistent trend across all levels of education is that Albanese is viewed as more ethically aligned, particularly on dimensions such as fairness and benevolence, regardless of academic background.
Overall, the POLIS Index shows a stable pattern: Australians of all education levels perceive Anthony Albanese as more ethically credible than Peter Dutton. While the size of the gap fluctuates, it is always in Albanese’s favour—reinforcing his widespread reputation for values-based leadership and Dutton’s ongoing challenges in closing the trust gap among Australian voters.
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.