POLIS Index Australia for Party Leaders
Highlights by Sexual Orientation
Australians’ ethical perceptions of party leaders differ by sexual orientation, but Anthony Albanese is consistently rated as more ethically credible than Peter Dutton across all groups. Among respondents who identify as gay or bisexual, Albanese receives a POLIS score of 3.16, while Dutton scores just 1.60. This striking 1.56-point gap reflects a deep trust advantage for Albanese among LGB Australians, particularly on values such as fairness, inclusion, and procedural accountability.
Among heterosexual Australians, the overall scores are slightly higher, but the pattern remains consistent. Albanese receives a POLIS score of 3.18, while Dutton scores 2.14. Though the gap narrows to 1.04 points, it still reflects a clear ethical preference for Albanese, suggesting that his appeal as a values-based leader cuts across orientation lines.
What is particularly notable is that while both leaders receive higher scores from straight respondents, Dutton’s relative improvement does not close the trust gap. In fact, the consistent gap of at least one point across both groups reinforces the perception that Albanese more reliably embodies values that Australians associate with ethical leadership.
The lower scores for Dutton among gay and bisexual respondents may reflect skepticism around his alignment with inclusive policies or his broader moral positioning on issues affecting equity-seeking groups. Meanwhile, Albanese’s steady performance highlights his perceived commitment to integrity, representation, and fairness.
Overall, the POLIS Index shows that sexual orientation influences the intensity of ethical evaluations, but not their direction. Across both gay/bisexual and straight Australians, Albanese is viewed as more ethically trustworthy than Dutton. These findings reinforce the importance of perceived moral alignment in leadership—especially when it comes to inclusion and accountability in a diverse democracy.
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.