Public perception on the difference between political parties Australia 1993-2022

According to a survey on trends in Australian political opinion in 2022, 28 percent of Australians perceived a "good deal of difference" between political parties, which is a significant decrease from the 44 percent recorded in 1993. Meanwhile, views on "some difference" have remained steady in the mid-40 percent range.

Preferred party policies 

While many in Australia believe there is only some difference between the two major political parties in the country, there is a greater difference of opinion as to which party has better policies on specific topics. Around half of Australians in 2022 felt that the ALP’s policy towards the environment was preferable to that of the Coalition. In contrast, more people preferred the Coalition’s policies regarding the management of the economy in 2022.  

Trust in political parties and democracy in Australia 

Though Australians may prefer one political party’s policies over another’s, this does not mean they have much trust in these political parties. A majority of people in Australia have a low level of trust in the political parties, but a much higher level of trust in the federal government as a whole. Most people are satisfied with the way democracy works in Australia, though that level of satisfaction did decline in October 2023, following the Voice to Parliament Referendum.