POLIS Index Australia for Party Leaders
Highlights by Region
Ethical perceptions of Australian party leaders vary across regions, but Anthony Albanese is consistently rated as more ethically credible than Peter Dutton in every state and territory. In the Australian Capital Territory, the gap is most pronounced—Albanese receives a POLIS score of 3.36, while Dutton scores just 1.63. This dramatic difference highlights a strong preference for Albanese on values like transparency, fairness, and institutional legitimacy among ACT residents.
In Western Australia, Albanese achieves his highest regional score at 3.37, with Dutton trailing at 2.30. This result indicates that even in regions where the Coalition has historically performed well electorally, Albanese is still viewed as the more ethically trustworthy leader. The consistent trend across geographies underscores his broad-based appeal across the country.
Victoria and New South Wales—Australia’s most populous states—follow the national pattern. In Victoria, Albanese scores 3.13 and Dutton 2.05. In New South Wales, the scores are 3.19 and 1.97, respectively. These nearly identical gaps suggest a consistent perception that Albanese better embodies democratic values and public accountability in the eyes of voters.
In Queensland, Dutton performs relatively better, scoring 2.09—his highest across all regions—while Albanese still leads with 3.05. This smaller 0.95-point gap suggests that while Dutton resonates more in his home state, he still lags behind in overall ethical evaluations. South Australia and Tasmania follow similar trends, with Albanese scoring 3.21 and 3.31 respectively, while Dutton earns 1.93 and 2.13.
Overall, the POLIS Index demonstrates that Australians across all regions consistently perceive Anthony Albanese as the more ethically credible leader. While Peter Dutton sees slight improvements in certain states like Queensland and Tasmania, he remains well behind Albanese in every region. These findings highlight a widespread values-based trust gap in leadership perception—one that cuts across both geographic and political divides.
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.