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.

We are here to express logical and honestly held opinions about people and what they do.
We are not here to hurl insults right, left, and centre.
That avails us of nothing worthwhile.
If you need to 'let off steam', surely you can find other ways to temper your ill will?

Hi Ipso Fatso,

I stand by what I say, it is my opinion that Trump is an unmitigated liar. The Washington Post newspaper and others have detailed Trump lies, they are not hard to find, they run into the many thousands and are uttered daily.

Here's a few;

Trump falsely stated that Ukraine "started" the war with Russia, often blaming Kyiv for the 2022 invasion by Russia.

Trump the coward himself, claimed NATO allies "never really asked anything of them" and that they did not fight on the front lines in Afghanistan. In reality, NATO invoked Article 5 after 9/11 and over 1,000 NATO troops from other nations died in that war.

Trump claimed the Maduro regime sent "thousands of prisoners and mentally ill people" to the US, and that fentanyl comes from Venezuela, whereas officials state it largely comes from Mexico.

I don't think Mr Trump is fully aware that his statements are often far less than truthful.
He has lived in a world of bluff for so long that he believes what he says to be true.
It all appears normal to him, however bizarre it appears to others.
I think it is up to the parliamentary system there to pull him in to line.
They seem to be avoiding doing so.
We can only sit back and wonder at their inadequacy.

Hi Ipso Fatso,

I think its called being self delusional, Hitler was such a person, so is Trump. They become so delusional by their own belief in themselves that their lies becomes the truth in reality.

What the actions of Trump shows the world, that too much power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual under the American Presidential system of government. In the right hands that is not a problem, but in the wrong hands it can have devastating effects, as we see with Trump. I much prefer the Westminster system, whereby the Prime Minister has little power himself and must rely on cabinet, his own governing MP's and parliament itself to enact laws.

I think Paul1405's nose looks like Stalin's nose, so Paul1405 may be Stalin. QED.

Trump demands loyalty to Trump, where bureaucrats are supposed to be loyal to the constitution.
Trump surrounds himself with sycophants that tell him what he wants to hear, which leaves him removed from hearing the intelligent truth of things and results in him going off half-cocked on foolish adventures.

Also he's a suspected blackmailed pedophile, so there's that.

He's getting his own people killed now, apparently the U.S had 5 aircraft (US500m) downed just in that pilot rescue operation.
The U.S. facing a collapsing empire is a drowning man and it's becoming more and more desperate.

Are politicians really less trust worthy than used car salespeople and real estate agents?
Aries54,
I think most & particularly conservative mentality people enter politics to try to make things better for all.
Considering the sabotage from Woke Left politicians & supporters, it is literally a miracle that Australia actually still functions.
Imagine if Australia were suddenly attacked. How would this nation defend itself with so many Woke ? Australia is not being attacked in a military sense but judging by the insidious invasion facilitated by the Woke Left, this Nation is literally two minutes to Midnight.
ALP/LNP/Green have failed to perpetuate Patriotism & it really is now down to ON to stop the slide into oblivion.
Most Australians can see that but preferential voting will sadly put the nails in the coffin of what little if any Democracy there is.

Hi Indy,

I have known many politicians, and want-a-be politicians from all sides of the political spectrum, and I'll say the vast majority believe they can make a difference if elected. Not just conservative people who you claim want to make things better for all, a bit difficult when all they want is to maintain the status quo.

You ask; Imagine if Australia were suddenly attacked. How would this nation defend itself with so many Woke? Was that a typo, did you mean woks, the enemy have got the woks! We have pots and pans!

The answer lies in my SENIORS NATIONAL SERVICE, and the establishment of Old Fart Brigades all over the country. As you have repeated many times on the Forum you have no military experience, other than owning a GI Joe Doll when you were a kid, as you said yourself you were a shirker when it came to doing your bit for King and country! You will be given the rank of Private 2nd Class, there is no 3rd class. Your new call sign will be Private Cannon Fodder! When can you report for duty? Bring your own pot or pan please! We want you well armed when you go into battle.