The Civic Health of Australia: A National Portrait in 30 Charts, published by the Australian Leadership Index and OurVoice, and powered by the Menzies Leadership Foundation, highlights the global retreat of democracy and the challenges facing political systems worldwide.
The concept of social capital, which underscores the importance of networks and relationships for a functioning society, offers valuable insight into the current state of civic engagement in Australia. Recent findings from the Australian Public Service Commission’s Trust and Transparency Unit reveal a mixed landscape, highlighting both challenges and opportunities within the civic context.
Social Capital and Participation Trends
Social capital in Australia is characterised by moderate engagement in community activities. While 47% of Australians report participating in social or community activities ‘often’ or ‘very often,’ a significant portion (14%) engage rarely or never. This uneven distribution points to a broader trend of declining civic engagement, as corroborated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ data showing membership in social groups dropping from nearly two-thirds in 2006 to about half in recent years.
This decline may reflect shifts in priorities, time constraints, or changing societal values. Yet, it underscores a pressing need to reimagine and reinvigorate pathways for civic involvement. Encouragingly, activities like sports and interest groups maintain relatively higher participation rates, indicating potential entry points to bolster overall engagement.
Trust and Social Cohesion
The Ipsos Global Trustworthiness Index (2022) places Australians just above the global average in trust, with 40% perceiving others as trustworthy. However, trust levels vary significantly depending on the relationship context: Australians trust their family (81%) and friends (75%) the most, while trust diminishes for neighbours and those with different national, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. This selective trust can be a double-edged sword, fostering strong personal bonds but potentially hindering broader societal integration.
Social cohesion—a critical measure of belonging, participation, and acceptance—has faced considerable strain. According to the Scanlon-Monash Index, overall social cohesion has declined by 13 points since its peak during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, on a local level, community cohesion remains strong, with many Australians expressing confidence in their neighbours and positive inter-cultural relations. These findings suggest that while national trends may be concerning, local communities still serve as vital hubs of connection and support.
Civic Engagement Challenges
The decline in civic participation is mirrored by Australians’ limited interest in political and social events. Alarmingly, only 7% attended events organised by political parties in the past year, indicating a disconnect between citizens and formal political structures. This disengagement may stem from scepticism about political institutions, lack of representation, or a preference for informal avenues of civic action.
Volunteering has also experienced a long-term decline, reflecting broader societal shifts. The reduced time allocated to unpaid civic contributions raises concerns about the sustainability of community-driven initiatives, which often rely heavily on volunteer efforts.
The Path Forward
Despite these challenges, there are bright spots that offer hope. The strong cohesion within local communities and the willingness of Australians to support their neighbours provide a foundation upon which to build. Promoting inclusive, accessible, and meaningful opportunities for civic engagement—whether through sports, arts, or grassroots initiatives—can help reverse current trends. Furthermore, fostering trust across diverse groups and addressing systemic barriers to participation will be crucial for enhancing social capital and cohesion.
Investing in education, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure that supports civic participation could also play a pivotal role in reshaping Australia’s civic landscape. Encouragingly, younger generations, particularly those from non-English-speaking backgrounds, demonstrate high levels of civic engagement, offering a model of diversity and active participation for the future.
Authored by Samuel Wilson, Eddie Kowalski, and Vlad Demsar, this report underscores the pressing challenges facing the nation’s civic health.
