POLIS Index Australia for Party Leaders
Highlights by Ethnic Origin
Across all ethnic origin groups in Australia, Anthony Albanese is consistently viewed as more ethically credible than Peter Dutton, though the size of the gap varies. Among North African and Middle Eastern respondents, Albanese scores the highest at 3.26, while Dutton receives 2.38. This 0.88-point difference reflects strong support for Albanese’s alignment with values like fairness, inclusion, and institutional accountability in communities that may prioritize social equity and representation.
North-East Asian and South-East Asian Australians also show a clear preference for Albanese. He receives 3.23 and 3.18 respectively from these groups, compared to Dutton’s 2.13 and 2.18. These results suggest that Albanese holds broad ethical appeal among Australians of Asian descent, with the perception that he better embodies democratic values such as transparency and procedural fairness.
Among North-West European and Oceanian respondents—Australia’s historically dominant cultural groups—Albanese still maintains a strong lead. He scores 3.25 with North-West Europeans and 3.15 with Oceanians, while Dutton scores 1.91 and 2.00 respectively. The ethical gap in these mainstream segments underscores a widespread perception that Albanese better reflects values-based leadership.
Albanese also outperforms Dutton among Southern and Eastern Europeans (3.18 vs. 1.85), Southern and Central Asians (3.06 vs. 2.11), and People of the Americas (2.88 vs. 1.81). Although the scores in some groups are slightly lower overall, the trend remains constant—Albanese is seen as more ethically aligned than Dutton. The only group where the gap narrows significantly is Sub-Saharan Africans, where Albanese scores 2.85 and Dutton 2.62, suggesting a more balanced perception of the two leaders in that community.
Overall, the POLIS Index shows that Australians from nearly every ethnic background perceive Anthony Albanese as more ethically trustworthy than Peter Dutton. The consistency of this trend, regardless of cultural or geographic origin, highlights Albanese’s broad-based appeal as a values-driven leader and Dutton’s ongoing struggle to close the gap in ethical credibility across Australia’s diverse population.
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.