According to the inaugural McKinnon Index unveiled on Sunday, nearly nine percent of respondents believe that violence can be justified for political purposes. This group includes a small but notable fraction who feel strongly about this stance.

The McKinnon Index, which will be updated annually, is designed to evaluate the democratic health of the nation. It aims to provide insights into public trust in political leaders, the perceived effectiveness of government, and the confidence people have in the judicial and legal systems.

The survey also reveals a concerning statistic regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, with only 18.5 percent expressing trust in the federal government. This highlights a significant gap in confidence that warrants attention.