• Charles Sturt University launched an audit of the current state of Australian democratic life with federal politicians, Professor Stan Grant Jr and Michelle Grattan AO at the Parliament of Australia
• Australia’s Evolving Democracy: A New Democratic Audit aims to bridge significant gaps in the evidence base on Australia’s democratic practice, enhance debate on the quality of democratic governance, and provide an invaluable resource to support better civics education in Australia
• Analysis is drawn from leading academics from Australian universities in every state and territory to assess the democratic performance of federal, state and territory-level political institutions
• The Audit was launched on Wednesday 5 February from 12:30pm until 1:30pm and included a panel discussion

On Wednesday 5 February Charles Sturt University assessed Australian democracy with politicians and other public figures at the launch of nationally vital research and a panel discussion at the Parliament of Australia in Canberra.

The book, Australia’s Evolving Democracy: A New Democratic Audit, draws on expert analysis from leading academics across Australia.

It assesses the democratic performance of federal, state and territory-level political institutions, and how they have enabled or undermined Australian political life.

Charles Sturt University Professor Mark Evans said democracies worldwide are grappling with legitimacy issues, reflected in low public trust in key political institutions, political polarisation, and eroding confidence in the ability of governments of whatever type to address societal concerns.

“The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals that only 50 per cent of people globally trust their government, with even lower figures in developed countries like the USA and the UK, Professor Evans said.

He said citizens globally view elected officials and public institutions suspiciously, believing decisions serve special interests rather than the common good.

“This discontentment leads to decreased civic engagement, increased polarisation, the rise of identity politics, and a general sense of disillusionment with the political process.”

Australia’s Evolving Democracy: The New Democratic Audit of Australia provides a timely and comprehensive evaluation of the current state of Australian democratic life.

Key findings within the Audit:

• Declining public trust in government: Trust in Australian political institutions is declining, with only 30 per cent of Australians reporting trust in government officials. Concerns include lack of transparency, public sector inefficiency, political corruption, and disconnection between politicians and citizens.
• Strong public satisfaction with democracy: Despite low trust in government, support for democratic values remains strong, with a growing emphasis on addressing long-term challenges like climate change and income inequality.
• Australia as a leading liberal democracy: Australia is viewed internationally as a leading liberal democracy, with continuous economic growth, a strong federal system, and competitive elections. It is classed as one of only 24 ‘full democracies’.
• Protective power of democracy under pressure: The Audit emphasizes the need for renewal in electoral integrity, public participation, liberal values, and good democratic governance.

The Audit finds Australia’s institutions are generally effective and adaptive, as seen in responses to the bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Australia’s highly centralised federal government is viewed as wielding disproportionate power, which undermines traditional checks and balances.

Public perception of corruption in politics and the public sector is also a growing concern.

The Audit concludes that Australia remains one of 24 ‘full democracies’ but faces critical challenges requiring reflection and reinvention.

Professor Evans said to renew its democracy, Australia must make its system of government more representative, accountable, and responsive to citizens’ needs.

“Addressing public dissatisfaction with adversarial politics, building more collaborative politics across the federation and providing greater space for localism is crucial to restoring trust in political institutions,” he said.

“While Australia continues to be a leading democracy, it faces pressing challenges that could undermine the long-term sustainability of its democratic institutions if not addressed.

“The Audit calls for a period of democratic reinvention, focusing on improving governance to better serve citizens and foster public trust in the democratic system. At a time when democracy is at risk worldwide, Australia needs to strengthen its democratic practices.”

Panel discussion and spokespeople: 

• Co-convenor of the Democratic Audit of Australia, Professor Mark Evans
• Chair of the Yindyamarra Trust at Charles Sturt University Professor Stan Grant Jr
• Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and University of Canberra research fellow Professor Michelle Grattan
• ACT Independent Senator David Pocock
• Ms Allegra Spender, MP, Member for Wentworth

Australia’s Evolving Democracy: A New Democratic Audit is published by LSE Press (2025) and edited by Mark Evans, Patrick Dunleavy and John Phillimore.

The Audit can be downloaded for free here

ENDS