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11 NOV 2026
A selection of reporting and commentary on trust in politics, participation and who feels heard in Australian democracy.
The second annual McKinnon Index found that most Australians still prefer democracy to any other system of government, even as trust in political leaders and satisfaction with how democracy works have fallen. The findings also show how differently Australians experience democracy depending on their age, education and where they live.
Explore the 2026 McKinnon Index.
media coverage & commentary
> Trust in politicians plunges, new polling shows, as education divide splits Australian voters
The Sydney Morning Herald, 2 November 2026
> McKinnon Index: Most Aussies say country is more divided
The Daily Aus, 2 November 2026
> The growing divides shaping Australians' trust in democracy
SBS News, 2 November 2026
> Falling faith in politicians spurs democracy warning
Australian Associated Press, 2 November 2026
> Are young men in Australia losing faith in democracy?
ABC News Top Stories (podcast) 2 November 2026
> We can’t accept a political culture that discourages good people from serving their communities
The Sydney Morning Herald, 2 November 2026
> Why democracy and respect matters more than ever right now
The Australian, 2 November 2026
> Does government only listen to people who speak its language?
The Mandarin, 5 November 2026
> A health check on Australia's democracy exposes deep divides
The Morning Edition (podcast) 6 November 2026
> The public service is holding our trust: Australia should invest in it
The Mandarin, 11 November 2026
> Democracy is not a spectator sport
The Australian, 11 November 2026
statement
We would like to acknowledge the tragic events of 19 October 2026. At time of release, investigations into the incident are ongoing with details and motivations still being established.
Our thoughts are with MP Dr Helen Haines and her family, staff and the wider community. Dr Haines was the 2022 McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year, and we again acknowledge her significant contribution to Australian democracy.
The McKinnon Index is an annual survey, and the finding offers insight on the health of Australia’s democracy. The McKinnon Index 2026 research took place in July 2026.
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EXPLORE MORE FROM MCKINNON
Leadership
The quality of Australia’s political leadership directly impacts our nation’s ability to address complex challenges and seize opportunities. That is why we invest in building and celebrating exceptional Leaders.
Public Sector
The effectiveness of Australia’s public sector directly impacts our nation’s productivity and success. That is why we invest in developing measurable frameworks that drive impact and making research and resources accessible and useable.
Policy Innovation
Australia faces specific challenges that require fresh thinking and proven solutions. From education inequality to economic productivity, we need policy approaches that work - not just in theory, but in practice. That’s why we focus on finding and implementing the best policy innovation to accelerate progress and build trust.