Communications and Sports Minister Anika Wells has drawn criticism after suggesting Australians’ deepening distrust of politicians is being fuelled by social media and the power of online algorithms.
In an interview with The Saturday Paper, Wells pointed to a recent conversation with a constituent as an example of what she sees as growing public scepticism toward government, politics and major institutions.
‘I had mobile offices last week and a lady came to talk to me about her various grievances and I was struck by how I could say to her, “I’m a member of the cabinet, that’s not true, we’re not doing that, that’s a scare campaign from online”,’ Wells said.
‘I look you in the eye and I tell you that will never happen in this government, and she didn’t believe me.’
Wells said the encounter challenged her previous belief that direct, face-to-face conversations could be enough to break through political cynicism and misinformation.
‘I’ve always found until this year even that the way to solve that malaise and that sense of distrust in the establishment was to go and knock on people’s doors and look them in the eye,’ she said.
‘What I’m noticing now is that they don’t. The power of online is so strong, the power of the algorithm is so strong that it is overwhelming our public institutions and the decline of trust is problematic for everybody.’
But her comments quickly sparked criticism online, with many arguing public distrust of politicians has more to do with government behaviour than social media feeds, noting Wells’ recent series of scandals.
Anika Wells (pictured) was criticised after complaining about ‘declining trust’ in politicians
The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority found four breaches of parliamentary travel rules between 2022 and late 2025 involving family travel that did not coincide with official business.
Wells was ordered to repay $10,116.11, including a penalty, and apologised for what she described as ‘honest mistakes’.
Questions were also raised over a taxpayer-funded trip to New York to promote Labor’s social media ban, her use of Comcar, and travel by her husband under family reunion entitlements to attend AFL grand finals and cricket matches.
Further scrutiny followed an Adelaide trip that coincided with a friend’s birthday, raising questions over whether official business was the primary reason for the visit.
Daily Mail revealed earlier this year that Wells did not disclose her husband Finn McCarthy’s role as a lobbyist with government relations firm SEC Newgate on her register of interests during Labor’s first term in office from 2022 to 2025, prompting further questions over transparency.
A spokesperson for Wells defended her disclosures.
‘All ministers comply with the Prime Minister’s Code of Conduct for Ministers. The minister made the appropriate disclosures,’ the spokesperson told Daily Mail .
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One critic accused Wells of failing to recognise why Australians have become disillusioned with the political class.
Anika Wells (pictured)was ordered to repay $10,116.11 over incorrect travel claims
‘Is there a less self-aware political leader than Anika Wells?’ the person wrote.
‘She says that over the last year she has noticed people, even face-to-face, no longer trust her or the government. She puts this down to “the power of the algorithms”.’
The same critic argued there are far more obvious reasons for declining trust.
‘Her own travel expense scandal aside, her government and party are masters of running scare campaigns, operating dirt units, and now outright lying to the public about core election promises.’
Another accused politicians of simply trying to dodge scrutiny.
‘”The algorithms” has become a last-ditch attempt at a low-hanging fruit to deflect and avoid any accountability,’ they wrote.
Others noted that Anthony Albanese had backflipped on his 2025 election promise not to change negative gearing or capital gains tax, only for both to be overhauled in the May budget.
‘It’s not the power of online that has cause the mistrust, it’s Albo and the Labor party keep lying or changing their mind on their promises,’ one said.
The Albanese government is seeking to legislate a social media duty of care in the Parliament
The backlash comes as the Albanese government readies sweeping new social media laws aimed at forcing tech companies to take greater responsibility for content promoted on their platforms.
Under the planned Digital Duty of Care regime, social media companies could face fines above $100 million if their algorithms push users towards harmful material.
Australians would also be given more control over their online experience, such as opting out of algorithmically recommended feeds in favour of chronological or non-personalised formats.
The legislation is expected to be introduced this week, although it’s unclear if Labor has the support of the Coalition or the Greens.