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mckinnon democracy
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Trust is declining, public debate is becoming more polarised, and too many Australians feel disconnected from how decisions are made. Democracy requires constant renewal to remain effective and legitimate.
Democracy Counts is a national campaign to strengthen the foundations of our system and put people back at the centre.
About Democracy Counts
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Democracy Counts is a growing alliance of organisations and Australians who care about the way democracy functions in Australia.
Partners include the Centre for Public Integrity, Digital Rights Watch, the Local and Independent News Association, Sentiment and the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom.
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We’re calling for simple, common-sense changes that put people first:
Making political parties and politicians outline their plans and policies so that Australians can make up their own minds about how to vote.
Limits on the revolving door from politics to lobbying.
An impartial public service protected from political interference.
Modern civics education including digital and media literacy.
Regulating social media companies and investing in public interest journalism, so Australians have access to reliable information.
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Long-term challenges
76% of Australians think politicians are focused on short-term gains and re-election rather than addressing long-term challenges.
Reform needed
87% of Australians think Australia’s political system needs reform – 53% say it needs some reform but is fundamentally sound, while 34% say it needs fundamental reform.
Representation
51% of Australians think that Australian politicians do not represent the interests of people like them.
Related Democracy programs
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McKinnon is developing a range of initiatives focusing on supporting rapid government response to misinformation; advocating for increased platform transparency; monitoring social media impact on democratic discourse; and equipping senior MPs with effective communication strategies.
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The McKinnon Poll Research Program aims to encourage better policymaking by providing a richer and more in-depth understanding of public opinion as an input into the policymaking process. It does this by commissioning high quality public opinion research on topics that are of significant policy interest.
Latest DEMOCRACY insights
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