Australian interpersonal trust hits ten‑year low in ANU poll

A poll conducted by the Australian National University in June surveyed more than 3,500 adults and found that interpersonal trust among Australians fell to 5.32 out of 10, the lowest level recorded in a decade and lower than during the COVID‑19 lockdowns. The same survey showed a decline in satisfaction with how the country's democratic system operates, dropping to 62.8%, while overall support for democracy itself rose to 72% from 66.9% a year earlier.

Professor Nicholas Biddle, head of ANU’s School of Politics and International Relations, said the results were “surprising” and highlighted the volatile conditions affecting public confidence. He warned that a perception that governments are not listening to citizens, combined with economic and policy challenges and external uncertainties, is further eroding trust in democratic institutions.