Building on the findings of the inaugural 2025 McKinnon index, this report presents potential solutions for protecting Australia’s democracy, including common-sense actions to renew trust in politics. The report is the foundational evidence that is guiding a new civil society campaign. It finds that Australians say the most important factors influencing who they vote for are which party or candidate has a plan to address Australia’s long-term issues, and the integrity and accountability of parties or candidates.

Key findings

• 76% of Australians think state and federal politicians are mostly focused on short-term gains and re-election rather than addressing long-term challenges.
• 51% of Australians do not think politicians understand and represent the interests of people like them. 
• 85% of Australians think we need more education around Australia’s preferential voting and political system.
• 81% of Australians support a legislated requirement that political advertisements meet standards of truthfulness.
• 67% of Australians support introducing a 5-year ban on politicians becoming lobbyists after their political career.
• 67% of Australians support the government establishing an agency that has the power to track and remove disinformation campaigns.

Solutions

1. Civics education and media literacy.
2. Protect news that’s in the public interest.
3. Prevent disinformation on social media.
4. Ensure public money for campaigns is well-spent.
5. Limit the revolving door from politics to lobbying.
6. Ensure public service independence.