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DEMOCRACY COUNTS
Trust is declining, public debate is becoming more polarised, and too many Australians feel disconnected from how decisions are made. Democracy requires constant renewal to remain effective and legitimate.
Democracy Counts is a national campaign to strengthen the foundations of our system and put people back at the centre.
About Democracy Counts
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Democracy Counts is a growing alliance of organisations and Australians who care about the way democracy functions in Australia.
Partners include the Centre for Public Integrity, Digital Rights Watch, the Local and Independent News Association, Sentiment and the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom.
Democracy Counts is a movement for change. Together, we will insist that the voice of every day Australians counts.
We’ll organise, share and build visible momentum that decision makers cannot ignore. Are you in?
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We’re calling for simple, common-sense changes that put people first:
Modern civics and media literacy education
Truth in political advertising laws
Stronger lobbying regulation so that politics works for all and not just some
Greater independence in public service appointments
Increased investment in public interest journalism, so Australians can access reliable information
Protections against disinformation and foreign interference on social media
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Long-term challenges
76% of Australians think politicians are focused on short-term gains and re-election rather than addressing long-term challenges.
Reform needed
87% of Australians think Australia’s political system needs reform – 53% say it needs some reform but is fundamentally sound, while 34% say it needs fundamental reform.
Representation
51% of Australians think that Australian politicians do not represent the interests of people like them.
Related Democracy programs
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McKinnon is developing a range of initiatives focusing on supporting rapid government response to misinformation; advocating for increased platform transparency; monitoring social media impact on democratic discourse; and equipping senior MPs with effective communication strategies.
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The McKinnon Index explores how Australians understand, experience and participate in our democracy. Examining trust in institutions, satisfaction with democracy and political engagement, it tracks public attitudes over time and reveals where experiences differ. The Index provides evidence to inform public debate and efforts to strengthen Australian democracy.
Latest DEMOCRACY insights
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