Are politicians really less trust worthy than used car salespeople and real estate agents? That may be the popular cliché along with “Whoever you vote for a politician gets elected”, but is it true?

According to the Democracy Counts report released by the McKinnon Foundation it appears that more than half of people surveyed say they certainly do not feel represented or heard by their politicians. Apathy toward elected officials was high, with three in four people saying they thought politicians focused on short-term gains and re-election rather than long-term challenges, and felt MPs "mostly" served themselves or vested interests. About 51 per cent said they did not believe politicians understood or represented people like them. Among a plethora of other concerns respondents to the survey consistently identified were - truth in political advertising; the ‘revolving door’ of ex-politicians becoming lobbyists’; the public funding of attack ads against their political opponents.

Adding to the above report is an interview with Linda Reynolds on the 7.30 Report some time ago in which she described the shocking lack of support and undermining by colleges and the inaccurate, vicious, opportunist attacks against her from the then opposition Labour party. Ms Reynolds observed a distinct lack of respect for the institution of the parliament, and a lack of respect for individuals within it. Surely, if this is how they treat each other, what chance do we have?

My personal observation of all of this is that the bleeding from major political parties to grievance political parties is due entirely to the behaviour of politicians themselves. They have only themselves to blame.
The source for much of the above is from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-24/australians-truth-in-political-advertising-reform-one-nation/106487268

The McKinnon Foundation is an independent non-partisan group that promotes democracy, political leadership and increased public sector productivity. Mike Baird, formerly a Liberal NSW premier is its Chief executive.

The McKinnon Foundation is an independent (of whom) non-partisan group (of what). Mike Baird, formerly a Liberal NSW premier is its Chief executive.

Glad to see there is no bias from the king pin at the organisation. Of the over 8 million people in NSW this mob just happened to stumble on an ex LIBERAL PARTY premier for the top job, what a coincidence.

Hi Aries,

I read the article, most of it.

What bothers me about news these days is how much they don't say.
You'll see a news segment, some event, reporters on scene, they won't talk to witnesses or anything, and they just report this homogenised story that doesn't tell you anything.

That was the feeling I got when I read that article.

"New research shows Australians do not believe the political system is keeping pace with the threat posed by misinformation, undue influence and political self-interest."

Who. What. When. Where. Why.
These important things seem to be frequently absent in many news stories to the point you ask yourself 'What on earth are these people even talking about'.

http://democracycounts.org.au/
http://mckinnon.co/

Some of the ideas I'd support, but it'd be more helpful if they stated exactly who / what their grievances were directed at.
Sometimes when they talk about misinformation I feel like they're trying to ban the truth and reinforce a false narrative.

"Never let the truth get in the way of a good story" - Samuel Clements
True today as it has ever was. The worlds number one liar and king of the "Porkies" resides in the White House in Washington.

I don't think it helps to call people liars.
This is akin to an insult, however accurate it might be.
Much better to say they don't espouse the truth.
Or use the older wording: they perpetrate a terminological inexactitude.
A person's shortcomings can be listed in a polite way.
But still be made clear.
Because a person has inadequacies doesn't mean they should be held to ridicule.
We need to look after everybody, even the weak and the feckless.
Be clear and concise in enumerating deficiencies as you see them.
Don't hold back.
All logical and honestly held opinions are acceptable.
But state them in a polite way?

Hi Ipso Fatso

Being a liar isn't an inadequacy, it's a choice.
And even the Iranians are mocking him and saying it.

The Lego Iran videos are actually pretty powerful, as they're quite accurate in the events they depict.
Watch the end, 'Liar liar, pants on fire'

http://x.com/pati_marins64/status/2037343921429180751

Here's the latest one 'Vengeance for all' released yesterday depicting many of America's victims.
http://x.com/SuppressedNws1/status/2038038678124028081

China are mocking Trump too, 'with 'Don Tzu memes'

'If you don't know what you're doing, neither does your enemy' - Don Tzu
'You don't lose if you don't have a goal', - Don Tzu

Chinese people are cacking themselves.