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In brief
- Research from ANU has found Australians are broadly supportive of democracy but less satisfied with its outcomes.
- Compared to young Australians’ lower levels of support, 90 per cent of those over 75 say democracy is preferable.
Less than half of Australia’s younger generation believes that democracy is consistently the best form of government, according to recent research highlighting a decline in trust towards institutions.
The report from the Australian National University (ANU) reveals that recent natural disasters, such as floods and fires, have placed significant stress on community infrastructure and highlighted recurring issues of social exclusion.
Although Australians generally support the idea of democracy, many are increasingly dissatisfied with its practical outcomes, as indicated in the study released on Thursday.
The research shows that only about 44% of Australians aged 18 to 24 view democracy as the best option at all times, compared to nearly 90% of those aged 75 and older.
In contrast, just over 80% of individuals between the ages of 65 and 74 consistently chose democracy as their preferred form of governance.
Age wasn’t the only indication of support. Almost two-thirds of people under 34 with a university degree supported democracy, dropping to one in five for those who hadn’t completed high school or had non-university tertiary qualifications.
“Once age is controlled for, education is positively associated with democratic support, indicating clear social polarisation by education,” the report states.
Females were less supportive overall, while religious people were more supportive.
Inequality, financial strain and the royal commission
People who believed there was a fair distribution of income in Australia were overwhelmingly supportive of democracy (78 per cent), and this dipped significantly for those who believed it was unfair (59 per cent).
Those experiencing financial strain were less likely to be satisfied with the system of government.
“Perceptions of unfairness and limited opportunity further explain variation in support,” the report noted.
Between two-thirds and three-quarters of respondents were satisfied with how the system of government was working, according to the poll, which was taken between October 2024 and after the May 2025 election.
“This leaves almost one-third of Australians that are either ambivalent towards democracy, or sceptical of its benefits,” the report’s co-author Nicholas Biddle said.
The royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion following the Bondi terrorist attack will examine strengthening support for democracy, freedom and the rule of law as a key defence to tackling antisemitism and extremist hate.
“For the royal commission, this implies that strengthening social cohesion cannot rely solely on enforcement, surveillance, or post-incident responses to antisemitism,” the report said.
“It must also address the structural and attitudinal conditions that weaken democratic legitimacy: educational stratification, persistent financial stress, declining trust in political institutions, and pessimism about social mobility.”
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