Public trust in politicians falls amid voter cynicism

Australians want government to deliver essential services directly, but many no longer believe their elected representatives serve the public interest, according to new research from the Centre for Policy Development.

More than 80% of respondents said governments should maintain the ability to provide social services themselves. They also said health, education and child care should remain universally affordable. At the same time, almost six in 10 said politicians do not serve their interests, a share that has risen steadily in recent years.

“

What this polling shows pretty clearly is that Australians are in favour of those services being delivered, and there is bipartisan agreement on a lot of these issues.

The survey also found that nearly 70% of people see modern politics as more focused on short-term political gains than on long-term challenges. Sixty-five percent want ordinary citizens to have a much greater say in setting core policy priorities.

“

There is a growing push for politicians who are more deeply connected to their local communities and focused on the issues that matter most to everyday people.

Centre for Policy Development chief executive Andrew Hudson said Australians were calling for ambitious reforms, even as support for One Nation has grown amid frustration with the two major parties. He said there was bipartisan agreement on many public-service issues and pointed to possible areas of overlap between the Greens and One Nation, including major reforms.

The report said restoring public confidence would require governments and politicians to be seen directly delivering what communities need. Hudson described the findings as “a populist wave for hands-on government,” with voters seeking health and education services that are protected, properly funded and delivered to a standard that improves quality of life.

“

What the public is saying is don’t strip them back, pare them back, invest in them, and deliver them to a standard that is going to improve our quality of life.