Recent findings from new research reveal a concerning trend among young Australians, with less than half believing that democracy is consistently the best form of government. This shift in perspective comes amid a growing distrust in key institutions, as detailed in a report by the Australian National University (ANU).

The report highlights how recent national emergencies, such as widespread floods and devastating fires, have exposed vulnerabilities in community infrastructure and patterns of exclusion. These events have contributed to a decline in confidence in democratic institutions.

While democracy remains a foundational principle supported by many Australians, satisfaction with its practical outcomes appears to be waning. The ANU report, published on Thursday, notes that although Australians generally uphold democratic values, their confidence in the system’s effectiveness is diminishing.

The research indicates a stark generational divide in attitudes towards democracy. Only about 44 percent of Australians aged 18 to 24 affirm democracy as the preferred governance model. In contrast, nearly 90 percent of those aged 75 and older maintain a steadfast belief in democracy, with a strong majority of individuals aged 65 to 74 also expressing unwavering support.

As these findings resonate across the nation, they underscore a critical need to address the growing skepticism among younger demographics and restore faith in democratic processes and institutions.

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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