Australians still believe in democracy as the best form of government, but they are losing confidence in the politicians elected to lead it.

The inaugural McKinnon Index, a nationwide survey of more than 4,000 people, reveals a widening trust gap in Australian politics. Institutions such as the courts, the Australian Electoral Commission and the Federal public service continue to command strong confidence, yet fewer than four in ten Australians say they trust their political leaders at either the federal or state level.

The Index shows that respect for the system itself remains relatively strong. More than three-quarters of Australians (76%) continue to believe democracy is preferable to any other form of government, and trust in electoral commissions sits at around 70% nationally. Courts and regulators also fare well, with more than half the population expressing high levels of confidence in their integrity and effectiveness.

By contrast, trust in governments and politicians is markedly weaker. Only 36% of Australians trust federal politicians, 39% trust state politicians, and fewer than 40% trust the governments they represent. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, trust in the federal government falls to just 18.5%. Among One Nation voters, trust collapses further, to only 8.2%.

The data paints a picture of a democracy that remains resilient but under pressure. Confidence in institutions is higher in the cities than in the regions, and much stronger among Australians who are satisfied with the direction of the country or who consider their government to be effective. But outside metropolitan areas, satisfaction declines sharply: just 54% of people living in outer regional areas, and only 43% in remote and very remote parts of the country, say they are confident in the outcome of elections.

The Index also highlights generational divides. Younger Australians are more likely to trust institutions and government, but they are less likely than older Australians to express satisfaction with democracy and how the system operates in practice. While low, a concerning minority of younger respondents also said they could justify violence for political causes.

The release of the Index comes as McKinnon deepens its broader work to strengthen democratic leadership. The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership recognises and celebrates leaders who demonstrate integrity, vision and courage, providing positive examples that can build confidence in both politics and the political system.

Through the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership, parliamentarians and their staff are also offered tailored professional development – programs that strengthen democratic practice, improve the craft of representation, and equip leaders with the tools needed to govern effectively in a complex, fast-changing world.