The Challenge of Political Trust

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

In recent years, liberal democracy is perceived by some to be in decline or in crisis. A significant feature of debates about global democratic decline are the claims made about declining levels of political trust. In this chapter, we explore the extent to which there is a ‘crisis’ of trust in Australia. Using a commissioned survey of 1,500 participants, complemented by new focus group data, we offer a new lens to understanding the issues of institutional trust in Australia. We set out current levels of trust, mistrust, and distrust; and our findings confirm a long-term decline of political trust in Australia and also a strong differentiation between different types of public institutions. Most worryingly, we find a significant minority of Australians with high levels of distrust. Using the qualitative data, we bring a fresh perspective on the issues of trust, by setting out more clearly how Australians visualise trust, what factors underpin how they decide to trust an organisation, and the ways it can be undermined. Taken together, this chapter offers a nuanced account of the drivers of political trust in Australia
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAustralian Politics at a Crossroads
Subtitle of host publicationProspects for Change
EditorsMatteo Bonotti, Narelle Miragliotta
Place of PublicationOxon, UK
PublisherRoutledge, Taylor & Francis
Chapter4
Pages57-79
ISBN (Electronic)9781003394686
ISBN (Print)9781032496245, 9781032496252
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Political trust
  • public opinion

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