POLIS Index Australia for Party Leaders
Highlights by Marital Status
Australians’ ethical perceptions of party leaders vary slightly by marital status, but Anthony Albanese is consistently viewed as more ethically credible than Peter Dutton across all groups. Among married respondents, Albanese receives a POLIS score of 3.21, compared to 2.21 for Dutton. This 1.00-point gap indicates that married Australians view Albanese as more aligned with values such as transparency, fairness, and institutional legitimacy.
Among those who are separated, divorced, or widowed, Albanese scores 3.10, while Dutton trails with 1.98. This group presents the second-largest gap of 1.12 points, highlighting a clear ethical preference for Albanese. These individuals may be especially attuned to values like accountability and competence in leadership—areas where Albanese appears to hold a strong advantage.
Single Australians express the most polarized views between the two leaders. Albanese receives a POLIS score of 3.16, while Dutton scores just 1.93. This 1.23-point gap is the largest across all marital groups and suggests that single individuals—often younger and more socially progressive—find Albanese far more ethically aligned than Dutton.
Although the intensity of perception differs by marital status, the direction remains constant. Albanese consistently leads Dutton by at least a full point in every group, suggesting a broad-based and durable ethical trust advantage. Dutton’s lower scores reflect a more limited appeal, especially in terms of moral credibility and fairness.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals that marital status influences the strength of ethical evaluations, but not their direction. Across all groups—married, formerly partnered, and single—Australians view Anthony Albanese as more ethically aligned than Peter Dutton. These findings highlight Albanese’s wide appeal as a values-based leader and the Coalition leader’s ongoing struggle to build ethical trust across life stages.
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.