Australians are being warned democracy is under stress as trust in politics declines, although it hasn’t reached breaking point, AAP reports:

Fewer than one-in-three people reported having trust in government officials, with the main concerns including the lack of transparency around decision-making, public sector inefficiency and a disconnection between politicians and the community. 

Democratic backsliding across the world has become a norm,” Charles Sturt University deputy vice-chancellor of research Mark Evans said on Wednesday, as he launched his report into Australian democracy at Parliament House.

“We see a picture of a democracy in Australia under stress, but not in crisis,” he said.

There were concerns about “the perceived failure of governments to deliver solutions to pressing issues such as the cost-of-living crisis” as well as political donations and government advertising undermining the fairness of elections. 

Australia needs to breach the trust divide by making the system of government more representative, accountable, collaborative and responsive to the policy needs of citizens,” he said 

There had to be “a stronger focus on integrity in politics, ensuring that governments and politicians deliver tangible policy outcomes for the public”, he said.

“They want to see more collaborative politics, they want to see more cleaner politics,” he said.

Which makes complete sense. You can read some of Bill Browne’s work in that same area, here.