Majority prefer it, but only half satisfied with its function, McKinnon Index finds

More generally, three-quarters of Australians agree that democracy is preferable to other systems, but only half say they are satisfied with the way Australia operates today.

While those who are university educated, engaged in politics and earn higher income express higher satisfaction, dissatisfaction is concentrated among those who have a weak sense of belonging or experience severe anxiety.

Meanwhile, nearly 65 per cent of Australians trust the country’s election results, according to the survey.

Confidence in election results is lowest among First Nations people, those living in remote areas and people who use social media or gaming for news, while it is highest among those living in the ACT, people with a master’s degree and those who are older or have higher incomes.

Trust in state governments is also highest in the ACT; Half of respondents indicated “high confidence”, followed by Western Australia (49 per cent) and South Australia (46 per cent). Tasmanians recorded the lowest trust in their government at 29 per cent; The study noted that this was a time when early elections were called for in the state.

Satisfaction with the education and health systems was highest in the Northern Territory at 52 per cent and 61 per cent respectively, while Tasmanians expressed the lowest satisfaction levels at 36 per cent and 35 per cent.

Mike Baird, president of the McKinnon Institute, said the results show that no state or territory can do everything right, but each shows strengths in different areas.

“What is clear is that public trust is higher where governments and parliaments are stable and provide consistent services to citizens,” he said.

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